CONCEPT:
Architects design buildings using aesthetic elements including line, shape, texture, color and space. These sensory elements are organized into formal designs through the use of balance, rhythm, repetition, and symmetry. A successful architectural design will appear unified and cohesive.

An architect is trained to be an artist. He designs buildings using elements such as line, shape, texture, color, space, repetition, balance and symmetry, to communicate a particular image through a structure. He then uses his mathematical and scientific skills to plan how the building should be built so that it will be safe and strong. He chooses materials for his building that will both make the building structurally sound and hopefully enhance the design as well.

We can appreciate architecture by just looking at buildings. We can learn to increase our perception of design by concentrating on the aesthetic elements which are used by architects as they plan a building.

The following pages will help you increase your perceptions of architectural images.

As you look at a building, see if you can discover:

BALANCED

SYMMETRICAL OR ASYMMETRICAL

Use the following lessons to help you to look for design elements: