Interrelationship of Symmetry and Asymmetry with Balance and Harmony in Design

Interrelationship of Symmetry, Balance and Harmony in Design

What do we understand by Symmetry? And how are the two principles of design; Balance and Harmony interrelated with Symmetry?

 

Symmetry and Asymmetry
Symmetry and Asymmetry

A central imaginary axis is drawn. You draw any shape on one side of the axis and a mirror image is drawn on the other side of the imaginary axis. This is called symmetrical image.

The image looks balanced, rigid and harmonious.

But when it comes to Symmetry in Architectural Design, making a symmetrical design is easy but making it attractive and aesthetically pleasing is a little tough.

Many Designers prefer symmetrically designed elevations because once symmetry is attained, balance and harmony are satisfied automatically.

“Even God likes Symmetry. He made the Earth round which is symmetrical in all the planes. He made human beings, animals which are symmetrical too. Symmetry is divine. An Architect or a designer who knows how to incorporate symmetry in design is a master of master”.

Now let us discuss about asymmetrical designs…

Asymmetrical Design - Unbalanced (Lack of Harmony and Balance creating visual chaos)
Asymmetrical Design - Unbalanced (Lack of Harmony and Balance creating visual chaos)
Asymmetrical Design -  Balance and Harmony (Rhythmic in nature)
Asymmetrical Design - Balance and Harmony (Rhythmic in nature)

Asymmetrical designs are rhythmic and radiate a sense of activeness. When a designer or an Architect is making an asymmetrical design, he should take care that balance and harmony of the structure is maintained. This would help prevent visual chaos; which is very important if an Architect wants people to feel pleasant and react positively when they look at his designed structures…

Symmetry and Asymmetry both have their own rules. Achieving any one of these by satisfying its principles is creativity…

 

 

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