Principles of Architecture

For a structure to become a good piece of

architecture , it should follow:
1. Great Principles
2. Creative Principles
 Great Principles
1. Truthfullness
2. Goodness/ Convenient Arrangement
3. Beauty
(Satyam – Sivam – Sundaram)
 Creative Principles
1. Contrast
2. Balance
3. Rhythm
4. Character
5. Proportion
6. Scale
7. Colour
8. Unity
 1. Contrast
*avoid monotony, introduce variety.
Contrast is the difference in visual properties
that makes an object distinguishable from
other objects and the background.
It may be:
(1) Contrast in form
- contrast in shape ->use of simple
geometrical figures (fig 1,2)
- contrast in mass (fig 3)
 Contrast (contd…)
Contrast in mass and shape- eg.
cylindrical,cubical,spherical forms in buildings.
big domes with 2 small domes on either side.

Vidhan Sabha, Bangalore

 Contrast (contd…)
(2) Contrast of lines
- contrast in line type – horizontal, vertical,
diagonal (figs 4,5)
- contrast in direction – curved lines (fig 6)
(3) Contrast of size – objects with same shape and
direction, but varying in size.
(4) Contrast in tone –by changing the colour,
surface treatment or texture( smooth/ rough
surfaces on stone work or plastering. (fig )) or
even openings.
 Contrast (contd…)
(5) Contrast of Solids and voids- solids dominant,
voids subsidiary and should be in proportion.
Too much voids give weaker appearance to
buildings. Proper arrangement- creates
contrast of light and shade.
(6) Contrast of character- expression of the
function of the building.
 2. Balance

*State of visual equilibrium derived from size,

shape, position and approximate weight of
elements in the field of vision.
(a) Symmetrical balance
(b) Unsymmetrical balance
(c) Formal balance
(d) Informal balance
 Balance (contd…)
Symmetrical Unsymmetrical

• Elements arranged exactly • No similarity in the

in the same manner on arrangement of elements
either side of the central on either side of the axis.
axis.
• Should match size for size,
shape for shape and tone
for tone.
• Mirror image
• Can be static or even boring
• Can create a feeling of
calmness, stability, or
stability
Symmetrical balance- it is the simplest type of balance to
create and recognize. Symmetrical balance appeals to us
because of the awareness of our bodies and our own
symmetry.

Taj Mahal
Symmetrical balance- it is the simplest type of balance to
create and recognize. Symmetrical balance appeals to us
because of the awareness of our bodies and our own
symmetry.

Taj Mahal
Symmetrical balance
Unsymmetrical balance
 Balance (contd…)
Formal balance Informal balance
• Elements on either side of • Achieved by giving different
the central axis are not surface treatments to the
exactly similar, but different masses and
approaches symmetry. shapes.
• Eg. Dark colour for small
part, light for larger part.
Balance by Value and Colour

Since our eyes are drawn to color, a

small area of bright color can balance a
larger area of neutral color.
 3. Rhythm
• It is the harmonic representation of various
elements in a structure at periodic intervals of
length.
• Achieved by:
1)repetition of different forms or shapes
2) repetition of colours
3)repetition of decorative finishes
4) arcades
5)rhythm in direction –uniform increase/decrease
of height in various directions
 4. Character
• It is the expression of the function of the
building from exterior.
• Displays the quality of idea which the
architect is trying to express in his
building.
• 3 categories:
(1) Functional character
(2) Associated character
(3) Personal character
 Functional character
• Manifestation of internal function
• Egs: (1)tall, wide windows for library.
(2) museum –few windows,more
arrangements for skylights.
(3) institutional building- long walls,
numerous windows in particular order.
(4) large glazed doors, windows in front –
shop
(5) central block having wide entrance,
flanking wings – public building.
 Associated character
• Developed from the influence of ideas and
impression obtained from past experience.
• Certain features are associated with a
particular style for a long time.
• Eg: (1)Spire on a tower – church
(2) Gopuram – Hindu temple
(3) Crescent on white dome - mosque
 Personal character
• Comparable with an individual.
• Expressions of buildings similar to how
individuals present themselves as graceful,
dignified etc.
• Indicates the feelings created in the minds of
the observer.
 Personal character (contd...)
• Eg: (1) window with vertical proportion –
grace, elegance
(2)much taller windows – aspiration
(3)In vertical structures, thick solid corners
and strong intermediate projections – vitality
(4) decoration with lightings – gaeity and
festivity.
 5. Proportion
• Entirely the relation between one part to
another and to the composition as a whole.
• It is not the actual size but relative size of one
part to another.
• Pleasing appearance obtained by horizontal or
vertical proportioning- Pillars
- Lintels, Cornices etc
Roman - Arch of Constantine
 6. Scale
• Comparison of one set of dimension to
another set of dimension.
• Observed in comparison with familiar objects
like doors, windows, openings etc. called scale
indicators.
 Scale (contd…)
Types:-
1)True scale (natural scale or normal scale)- all
elements in actual size.
2)Intimate scale – appears smaller than one expects
them to be. Effect created using proper colours and
treatment. Eg. Residences.
3) Monumental scale – appears larger than one expects
them to be. Eg. Church, mosque.
4)Gigantic scale – spectators nothing compared to size
of structure. Eg. Pyramids.
5) Shocking scale – familiar objects much larger or too
smaller than expected which shocks the viewer. Used
for exhibition purposes.
 7. Colour
• Quality of light reflected from a surface.
• Measured in terms of hue, value and intensity.
• Primary colours – red, yellow, blue.
• Combination of them – secondary colours.
• Family of red and yellow – warm colours.
(tend to advance)
• Family of blue and green – cool colours.(tend
to recede)
 Colour (contd…)
Psychological effect of colours egs.
1. Yellow, orange – (associated with sunshine)
warmth,cheerful
2. Red – (associated with fire) violent, exciting.
3. Green – restfulness
4. White – purity, innocence, peace
5. Black – evil, silence
 Colour (contd…)
Some general tips:
1. Dark room not to be painted with dark
colour.
2. Rooms where more time spent, lighter
colour.
3. Colour schemes to suit lighting conditions.
4. Far end of wall painted with warmer colour, it
appears nearer.
 8. Unity
• Combines various elements together giving
coherence to parts and integrity to the whole.
• It is oneness and brings harmony among
elements.
• Consistency in design with subordination to a
central motive.
• Duality in a structure destroys its unity.
Unity (contd…)