Understanding Balance in Design Principles

1. Balance

2. PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN… The designer works with the 4 tools or elements of design: line, form, color, and texture. But now they must follow the “RULES” about using those tools. The rules are called the principles of design. There are 5 principles of design: BALANCE proportion/scale rhythm harmony emphasis

3. Balance • The resolution of interacting forces, attractions or weights. Also known as equilibrium. • Balance is a psychological or visual sense of equilibrium. As a design principle, balance places the parts of a visual in an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.

4. Balance • Large objects and spaces appear heavier than small ones, but a grouping of small objects can balance a large object.

5. Balance • Opaque materials appear heavier than transparent materials. • Bright, warm, dark-patterned colors appear heavier than grayed, cool, light colors.

6. Balance • Textures and patterns hold one’s attention longer than smooth, plain surfaces. • Unusual and unique shapes and objects have importance beyond their size.

7. Balance • Contrasting textures, patterns, and colors (such as complementary colors) have greater impact than closer harmonies (such as analogous). • Objects above eye level appear to be heavier than objects placed below eye level.

8. Balance • Brightly-lighted areas attract more attention than dimly lit areas. • Strong contrasts add weight.

9. Types of Balance… Symmetrical Formal Balance One side of the room is the mirror image of the other Occurs when the visual weight of a composition is evenly distributed around a central vertical or horizontal axis Gives a quiet and restful feeling Suits classical and traditional interiors Easiest balance to create, but not as interesting

11. Symmetrical Balance

12. Symmetrical Balance

13. Types of Balance… • Asymmetrical • Informal Balance • Visual weights are equal, but elements are different in size, form, color, pattern, and spacing • Occurs when the weight of a composition is not evenly distributed around a central axis • Has an effect of spaciousness • More lasting appeal; interesting

15. Asymmetrical Balance

16. Asymmetrical Balance

17. Types of Balance… • Radial • Furnishings or patterns are arranged in a circular manner • Creates a dramatic sense of motion in a room • The right and left sides as well as the top and bottom halves of the composition are identical.

19. Radial Balance

20. What kind of balance do you see? The balance in a room is ever-changing: When a person enters the room, the balance changes. The clothing they wear and the places they move will change the balance. The constant changing of natural light and shadows changes the balance. Day to day living will change the balance in a room… the placement of a magazine on the table, toys left out, even fading of carpet and furniture.

21. Balance The End

22. Assignment on Balance • Using catalogs or magazines, find and identify one picture of a whole room arrangement (or an area of a room) that illustrates symmetrical and one picture that illustrates asymmetrical balance. • Use a computer or templates to title each page and label each picture. You may mat the pictures as desired. 3. If the picture you select does not fill the entire page, you may want to add a picture of balancing scales or a picture of an individual object that illustrates one of the types of balance. Symmetrical Balance by Your Name Asymmetrical Balance by Your Name The symmetrical balance in this room leaves it feeling formal and peaceful. The asymmetrical balance in this room gives it an informal or casual appeal. Asymmetric lamp

23. Symmetrical Balance Name: _____________ Draw and color an arrangement above to illustrate symmetrical design. The small console must have 5 drawers. Include 1 lamp of any kind, 2 framed pictures of any kind, and one floor rug.

24. Asymmetrical Balance Name: _____________ Draw and color an arrangement above to illustrate asymmetrical design. The small console must have 5 drawers. Include 1 lamp of any kind, 2 framed pictures of any kind, and one floor rug.