3.4 Design Principles

MONUMENTAL AND HUMAN SCALE

EXPRESSION OF FORM BY SILHOUETTE

DEFINE SPACE

RHYTHM VERSES CHAOS

PROPORTION

OBJECT SIZE AND MASS

HIERARCHY

SUSTAINABILITY

The visual inventory and analysis require an under standing of basic design principles. The primary principles are:

Scale - The proportional relationship of humans to their spatial environment. The scale should result in a comfortable relationship for the user and will vary as space, size, and activities vary.

Form - The size and shape of mass. Individual forms should be designed to complement one another and the environment.

Function – The use of a space or an area. Function is gauged by the degree to which the space works for its intended purpose.

Color – All elements of the visual environment have color. The use and arrangement of colors greatly determine the visual impact of all elements.

Texture – All elements of the visual environment have texture. The use and blending of textures greatly impact the visual environment.

Unity – All elements of the visual environment should blend to complement one another. Repetition of scale, form, color, and texture results in a unified visual impression.

Framing – All views include a ground plane, side planes, and overhead plane. The relationship of planes changes as the individual moves through the environment.

Axis – An axis is a linear progression of space connecting two or more dominant features.

Terminus – A terminus is the end of an axis and is typically defined by a dominant feature such as a building.

Balance – Visual elements are composed to be symmetrical or asymmetrical. In either case, visual elements should be sized and located to provide visual balance.

Sustainability - Practicing the principles of sustainable design in the planning, design, construction, and operation of infrastructure and facilities is a smart business practice. (See Appendix D.)