1.
BALANCE
PETRONAS TWIN TOWER BY AR. CESSAR PELLI
Balance in architecture refers to the strategic arrangement of visual elements within a
structure to achieve a sense of equilibrium and harmony. It involves distributing weight, mass,
and visual interest in a way that creates stability and cohesion in the overall design. The Petronas
Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, exemplify balance in architecture through several key
design features. Firstly, their symmetrical layout creates a sense of order and balance, with
identical floor plans and elevations mirrored on either side of a central axis.
2. UNITY AND HARMONY
SYDNEY OPERA
HOUSE BY AR. JØRN UTZON
Unity and harmony in architecture refer to the cohesive integration of various elements within a
structure, resulting in a visually pleasing and balanced composition. This involves the careful
arrangement of forms, materials, colors, and spatial relationships to create a sense of cohesion
and coherence throughout the design.
A notable example of unity and harmony in architecture is the Sydney Opera House in Sydney,
Australia. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, the Opera House embodies these principles
through its iconic sail-like roof forms, which gracefully integrate with the surrounding harbor
landscape. The consistent use of white ceramic tiles throughout the exterior facade unifies the
building's complex geometry, while the repetition of curved elements creates a sense of rhythm
and continuity. The harmonious relationship between the Opera House's structural elements and
its natural setting exemplifies the successful integration of unity and harmony in architectural
design.
3. PROPORTION AND SCALE
WORLD TRADE CENTER DESIGNED
BY AR. NORMAN FOSTER
Proportion and scale in architecture refer to the relative size, dimensions, and relationships
between elements within a structure, as well as their size in relation to human dimensions or the
surrounding environment. Proportion ensures visual harmony and balance, while scale
determines the perceived size and impact of a building.
An example of proportion and scale in architecture is the One World Trade Center in New York
City, USA. This iconic skyscraper showcases meticulous attention to both proportion and scale,
with its sleek and elegant design towering over the city skyline. The building's height and slender
profile create a striking presence, emphasizing its monumental scale and impact on the urban
landscape. The careful consideration of proportion in the building's design, including the ratio of
height to width, contributes to its aesthetic appeal and visual harmony. As a symbol of resilience
and strength, the One World Trade Center exemplifies the successful integration of proportion
and scale.
4. EMPHASIS AND FOCAL POINT
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO BY AR. FRANK GEHRY
In architecture, emphasis and focal point refer to the deliberate use of design elements to draw
attention to specific features or areas within a structure, creating visual interest and hierarchy.
The focal point serves as the primary point of visual interest, distinguished by its prominence,
contrast, or unique architectural features, while emphasis involves the strategic placement of
elements such as form, color, texture, and lighting to highlight and anchor the viewer's gaze
within the overall composition.
An example of emphasis and focal point in architecture is the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in
Bilbao, Spain. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum's iconic titanium-clad structure serves as a
focal point within the cityscape, drawing attention with its sculptural form and dynamic
silhouette. The emphasis is placed on the museum's main entrance, marked by a sweeping
canopy and a dramatic atrium space, which serve as key focal points within the building's
composition. Through the strategic use of architectural elements, such as form, materiality, and
spatial organization, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao demonstrates the effective creation of
emphasis and focal points in architectural design.
5. RHYTHM AND REPITITION
CASA BATLLÓ BY AR. ANTONI GAUDI
Rhythm and repetition in architecture refer to the deliberate arrangement of visual elements
within a structure to create a sense of movement, pattern, and continuity. Rhythm involves the
sequential repetition or alternation of elements, such as forms, colors, or textures, to establish a
visual flow and tempo throughout the design. Repetition, on the other hand, is the consistent
recurrence of specific elements at regular intervals, reinforcing patterns and enhancing visual
coherence.
A notable example of rhythm and repetition in architecture is the Casa Batlló in Barcelona,
Spain, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí. The façade of Casa Batlló showcases a
rhythmic interplay of curved lines, organic shapes, and vibrant colors, creating a dynamic visual
rhythm that mimics the undulating forms found in nature. Gaudí employed repetition in the
design through the consistent use of motifs such as ceramic tiles, mosaic patterns, and sculptural
elements, which recur throughout the building's exterior and interior spaces. This rhythmic
repetition not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also establishes a sense of
continuity and harmony within Gaudí's eclectic and fantastical architectural masterpiece.
REFERENCES
PETRONAS TWIN TOWER BY AR. CESSAR PELLI
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/845973111270254373/
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE BY AR. JØRN UTZON
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/392165080055659512/
WORLD TRADE CENTER DESIGNED BY AR. NORMAN FOSTER
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/569705421592020465/
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO BY AR. FRANK GEHRY
https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/the-building
CASA BATLLÓ BY AR. ANTONI GAUDI
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/638807528410736546/
