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Principles of Design

This document outlines 9 principles of design for landscape architecture: unity, balance, transition, proportion, focalization, rhythm, contrast, repetition, and simplicity. It defines each principle and provides examples to illustrate how it can be applied in landscape design, such as using consistent rock types to achieve unity or varying plant sizes and textures to create transition. The principles are meant to guide designers in arranging landscape elements in a visually cohesive and aesthetically pleasing manner.

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Ar Ar Padz
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19 views22 pages

Principles of Design

This document outlines 9 principles of design for landscape architecture: unity, balance, transition, proportion, focalization, rhythm, contrast, repetition, and simplicity. It defines each principle and provides examples to illustrate how it can be applied in landscape design, such as using consistent rock types to achieve unity or varying plant sizes and textures to create transition. The principles are meant to guide designers in arranging landscape elements in a visually cohesive and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Uploaded by

Ar Ar Padz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

JOHN LLOYD PADERNAL


PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
1. Unity
 Unity is obtained by the effective use of components in a design to
express a main idea through consistent style.
 Unity means that components are grouped, placed or arranged in
such a way that several individual components appear to have a sense
of oneness.
 A desirable appearance need to be achieved from all point of view.
 A repetitive pattern can be used to create unity.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
1. Unity
Example: If you are placing rocks
in the garden, use the same rock
type throughout the garden, rather
than assortment of different rocks
with varying colors, texture and
shape. Large gardens can be
divided into smaller units, in each
unit different rock type can be
used. However over all unity of the
design should be maintained.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
2. Balance
 Balance refers to the equilibrium or equality of visual attraction.
 Symmetrical balance is achieved when one side of the design is a
mirror image of the other side. There is a distinct dividing line
between the two sides. Equal lines, forms, textures or colors are on
each side of a symmetrical design.
 Asymmetrical balance uses different forms, colors and textures to
obtain balance of visual attraction. These opposing compositions on
either side of the central axis create equal attraction. For example,
mass may be opposed by color or linear dimension by height.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
2. Balance
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
3. Transition
Transition is gradual change of color or object.
• Transition in color can be illustrated by the radial sequence on the
color wheel (monochromatic color scheme).
• Transition of object can be obtained by the arrangement of objects
with varying textures, forms, or sizes in a logical sequential order.
Example:
- Textures: coarse to medium to fine
- Form: prostrate round to oval plant
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
3. Transition
An unlimited number of schemes exist by combining elements of
various size, form, texture and color to create transition
• Transition from taller to shorter plants with textural changes from
coarse to fine along focal lines emphasizes the beauty of a lake scene.
• Transition from shorter to taller plants and from fine to coarse textures
would enframe the scene and makes it appear closer, like a painting on a
wall. Generally, transition assists in the gradual movement of a viewer's
eye to the design and within it.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
3. Transition
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
4. Proportion
Refers to the size of parts of the design in relation to each other,
and to the design as a whole. It is the sense or requirement that the size
of the individual components or groups of components in landscape fit
into the whole landscape harmoniously.
• Tall trees are not in proportion if used in a small courtyard, nor do a
small shrub in the middle of large expanse of lawn.
• One large towering tree may compliment an office building but would
probably dwarf a single story residence.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
4. Proportion
• A small pool would be lost in a large open lawn but would fit
beautifully into a small private area.
• A giant fountain would dominate a private garden but could enhance a
large city plaza or city square.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
4. Proportion
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
5. Focalization
• This involves the leading of visual observation toward a feature by
placement of this feature at the vanishing point between radial or
approaching lines.
• Straight radial lines create a strong focalization when compared to
curved lines. The viewer's eye is quickly forced along straight lines to a
focal point.
• Transition of plants or other objects along these lines can strengthen or
weaken the focalization.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
5. Focalization
Curved lines are stronger when curved toward each other than
when curved outward. Indirect focalization is created by lines curved in
the same direction.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
5. Focalization
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
6. Rhythm
Rhythm is a conscious repetition of equal or similar components in a
landscape.
Rhythm is achieved when the elements of a design create a feeling of
motion which leads the viewer's eye through or even beyond the
designed area.
Tools like color schemes, line and form can be repeated to attain
rhythm in landscape design. Rhythm reduces confusion in the design
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
6. Rhythm
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
7. Contrast
Contrast in landscape is using of elements that are opposite to each
other or contrast each other such as contrasting colors and texture.
Contrast is in opposition to harmony and should not be overdone.
Occasional contrasts are used to create eye-catching features in a
garden.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
7. Contrast
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
8. Repetition
Repetition refers to the repeated use of features like plants with
identical shape, line, form, texture and/or color.
Too much repetition creates monotony but when used effectively can
lead to rhythm, focalization or emphasis.
Unity can be achieved better by no other means than repetition.
Think of repetition as not having too much variety in the design
which creates a cluttered or busy appearance.
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
8. Repetition
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
9. Simplicity
Simplicity is the reduction of a design to its simplest, functional form,
which avoids unnecessary cost and maintenance.
That is to say simplicity is used for understanding what is, and is not
important in a landscape design. Details that will not have a major
impact on the landscape are omitted to keep it uncluttered. Too much
variety or detail creates confusion of perception.
Principles of Design
9. Simplicity

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