Design Principles Vocabulary

the harmonious relationship of parts to the whole

“Classical architecture follows strict rules of proportion.”

Origin: Latin proportio, from pro portione `according to the share`

the size of elements relative to humans or other elements

“The grand scale of the lobby impressed visitors.”

Origin: Latin scala `ladder`, from scandere `to climb`

repetition of elements creating visual movement

“The rhythm of windows unified the facade.”

Origin: Greek rhythmos `measured flow`, from rhein `to flow`

balanced arrangement around a central axis

“Formal gardens display perfect symmetry.”

Origin: Greek symmetria, from syn `together` + metron `measure`

organizing elements by importance or dominance

“Visual hierarchy guides the eye to the entrance.”

Origin: Greek hierarchia `rule of a high priest`

the clear expression of a building's parts and structure

“The articulation of floors and columns was elegant.”

Origin: Latin articulare `to divide into joints`, from articulus `joint`

the arrangement of windows in a building

“Generous fenestration flooded the room with light.”

Origin: Latin fenestra `window`

the movement of people through a building

“The atrium improved circulation between floors.”

Origin: Latin circulatio, from circulare `to form a circle`

the transitional space between inside and outside

“The threshold created a sense of arrival.”

Origin: Old English therscold, perhaps from threscan `to thresh`

the sensory qualities of materials used in design

“The warm materiality of wood contrasted with cool stone.”

Origin: From material (Latin materialis) + -ity