Alison Snead

Activity 1.1.2 Design Principles and Elements

Procedure
In this activity you will identify design elements and principles as they pertain to images of
structures.
For each of the following, choose one element of design and one principle of design that you feel
is most prominent in the image and then justify your choice.
Word Bank
Balance
Color.
Emphasis

Form
Line.
Proportion/Scale

Rhythm
Shape
Space

Texture
Unity
Value

1. Principle of Design
Unity
___________________
Justification:
There is consistent use of the
materials and arches throughout
the design.
___________________
Element of Design
Texture
____________________
Justification:
The rough and warn surface make the
building dark.
___________________
2. Principle of Design
Proportion and Scale
___________________
Justification:
The pillars must be in proportion with
the size of the building to not look too
small.
___________________

Element of Design
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CEA Unit 1 Lesson 1.1 Activity 1.1.2 Design Principles and Elements Page 1

Line
____________________
Justification:
Vertical lines are used throughout the
buildings front.
_________________
3. Principle of Design
Emphasis
___________________
Justification:
By using a different color, the architect
draws attention to the clock tower.
___________________

Element of Design
Texture
____________________
Justification:
Brick gives the building a rough
appearance.
___________________

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Istockphoto.com

4. Principle of Design
Movement
___________________
Justification:
The curved lines give the building the
appearance of flow.
___________________
Element of Design
Form
____________________
Justification:
The building is curved, almost
spherical, and made of shiny glass.
___________________

City Hall and London Bridge

5. Principle of Design
Balance
___________________
Justification:
The design is symmetrical about the
center.
___________________
Element of Design
Color
____________________
Justification:
Bright colors are used to form a
picture.
___________________

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CEA Unit 1 Lesson 1.1 Activity 1.1.2 Design Principles and Elements Page 3

6. Principle of Design
Unity
___________________
Justification:
The use of sleek materials is
consistent throughout the buildings
design.
___________________
Element of Design
Line
____________________
Istockphoto.com

Justification:
Each balcony uses diagonal lines, but
when looking from a different angle,
horizontal lines would be prominent.
___________________
7. Principle of Design
Contrast
___________________
Justification:
The color of the greenery and the
color of the house are very different.
___________________

Istockphoto.com

Element of Design
Space
____________________
Justification:
The front of the house has a very
open and uncluttered design.
___________________

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CEA Unit 1 Lesson 1.1 Activity 1.1.2 Design Principles and Elements Page 4

8. Principle of Design
Rhythm
___________________
Justification:
The arches and pillars are repeated
throughout the structure.
___________________
Microsoft Office clipart

Element of Design
Texture
____________________
Justification:
The large stones make the aqueduct
have a rough surface.
___________________

Roman aqueduct

9. Principle of Design
Balance
___________________
Justification:
The pillars and paintings make the
buildings interior symmetrical.
___________________
Element of Design
Space
____________________
Justification:
The interior has very elegantly
cluttered surfaces.
___________________

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10. Principle of Design

Contrast
___________________
Justification:
Each house is a different color,
resulting in distinction between
them.
___________________
Element of Design
Color
____________________
Justification:
Each house has a different color,
mainly cool colors.
___________________

Conclusion
1. In what way do certain elements or principles identify the time period in which a structure was
created?
Certain elements and principles can identify the time period because they show people what was or is
important, valuable, beautiful, or available at the time.
2. What factors might account for an incorrect identification?
Personal opinion and the diversity of a design can lead to an incorrect identification of an element or
principle.
3. Describe an example of a way that design principles and elements could impact the function of
a building.
In the use of a military fort rough surfaces are used because a smooth surface could reflect light,
leading the enemy to the soldiers, and also not be as protective as a solid, tougher texture.

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