The Principles of DesignDesign rules for the elements

The Principles Include: Proportion Scale Balance Rhythm Emphasis Unity and Variety

#1 Proportion The size relationships that can be

found within an object Proportions are expressed as ratios (2:3) This principle was developed by the

ancient Greeks. They discovered that some proportions are more pleasing than others

For example, imagine an area rug. When you consider its proportions, you think about… The length compared to the width The size of a border area compared to

the middle of the design The size of the middle of the design

compared to the rug as a whole The rug’s area compared to the entire

floor area The amount of each different color in

design

What proportions are more pleasing to the eye?

Most people prefer rectangles to squares

Pleasing Proportions continued…

Unequal divisions of space are often more appealing to the eye than equal divisions

How would you use a patterned throw to create unequal distribution?

The Golden Section Ancient Greeks studied

proportion and developed the theory of the Golden Section

It is the division of a line between one-half and one-third of its total length

Ex. curtain tiebacks

The Golden Rectangle

Use this sequence to approximate a golden rectangle: 2,3,5,8,13 (notice how each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers).

A rectangle with dimensions based on two consecutive numbers in the sequence – 3:5 or 8:13 – will be close to the ideal shape

Continued… Look around for examples of rectangular

shapes, such as desktops, windows, or picture frames

What items come close to being a golden rectangle?

Calculating Proportions… A ratio of 2 to 3 (2:3) is ideal

For example…if a coffee table is 2 feet wide it should be 3 feet long

How long should a rug that is 8 feet wide be then?

Identifying Proportion Choose a basic piece of furniture or an

accessory (such as a lamp, and end table, a chair, etc.) to illustrate proportion.

Draw various examples of the item to illustrate both good an poor proportion.

Exchange your drawing with a classmates and have them identify whether the form has good proportion or not and why.