Architectural Design Principles

Architectural design principles are the fundamental concepts that guide the creation of functional, aesthetic, and well-ordered spaces. These guiding ideas—which include balance, rhythm, proportion, hierarchy, and unity—govern the arrangement of forms, materials, and light to create a cohesive and meaningful experience for the user. By applying these principles, architects translate abstract intentions into tangible structures, ensuring that a building is not only visually compelling but also harmoniously integrated with its purpose and environment.

1. Foundations of Architectural Composition
   1. Primary Elements
      1. Point
         1. Concept of Point in Space
         2. Visual Emphasis and Focal Points
         3. Points as Markers or Nodes
      2. Line
         1. Types of Lines
            1. Straight Lines
            2. Curved Lines
            3. Angular Lines
         2. Lines as Boundaries and Edges
         3. Lines as Paths and Axes
         4. Expressive Qualities of Line
      3. Plane
         1. Definition of Plane
         2. Planes as Surfaces and Boundaries
         3. Types of Planes
            1. Horizontal Planes
            2. Vertical Planes
            3. Inclined Planes
         4. Planes in Spatial Enclosure
      4. Volume
         1. Concept of Volume in Architecture
         2. Types of Volumes
            1. Solid Volumes
            2. Void Volumes
         3. Volumetric Composition
         4. Perception of Mass and Space
   2. Form
      1. Definition and Properties of Form
      2. Types of Forms
         1. Geometric Forms
         2. Organic Forms
         3. Regular Forms
         4. Irregular Forms
      3. Shape
         1. Two-Dimensional Shapes
         2. Three-Dimensional Shapes
         3. Positive Shapes
         4. Negative Shapes
      4. Size
         1. Relative Size
         2. Absolute Size
         3. Scale in Relation to Human Body
      5. Color
         1. Color as a Defining Attribute
         2. Color Relationships and Schemes
      6. Texture
         1. Visual Texture
         2. Tactile Texture
      7. Position
         1. Location in Space
         2. Relationship to Other Elements
      8. Orientation
         1. Directionality of Form
         2. Orientation to Cardinal Directions
      9. Visual Inertia
         1. Stability and Balance of Form
         2. Perceived Movement or Stillness
   3. Space
      1. Definition of Architectural Space
         1. Physical Space
         2. Perceived Space
         3. Enclosure and Openness
      2. Space-Defining Elements
         1. Walls
         2. Floors
         3. Ceilings
         4. Openings
      3. Relationship between Form and Space
         1. Form Creating Space
         2. Space Defining Form
      4. Qualities of Architectural Space
         1. Scale and Proportion of Space
         2. Light and Shadow in Space
         3. Acoustics and Sound
         4. Visual Connectivity
         5. Privacy and Openness