As we have seen, architecture is more than just creating spaces to live in or beautiful shapes. These are important parts of what makes up the field, but they do not fully describe it.

Architecture also studies how space functions, so that people can use it effectively. It looks at how light interacts with materials to create lighthouses for nighttime activity, for example.

It explores universal ideas about space such as proportion and balance, which help make buildings feel familiar even if you’ve never seen anything like them before. And it applies these concepts in innovative ways to produce aesthetically pleasing designs that influence other architects.

This article will go into greater detail about all of these topics. However, there is one element of architectural theory that most professionals know without being formally educated in it – color!

We will talk about why colors matter for design, some basic theories about color psychology, and some fun tips to use color for mental health. But first, let us look at some examples of how architects apply color in their work.

Examples: A few notes on style

These three pictures were taken around the same time frame (2000–2010) and show different styles of architecture.

The first two picture both feature modernist skyscrapers. One has rounded corners and bright white interior features while the other has bold stripes running down its side.

History of architecture

Like most arts, the field of architectural design has evolved over time. Starting with simple structures built by people using natural resources to fulfill their needs, architects have experimented with new styles and techniques to influence perception of space and shape.

Architecture is both an art form and a science that explores how humans respond to shapes and environments. What makes something architecturally pleasing is influenced more by psychology than pure aesthetics.

In this article we will discuss some significant milestones in the history of architecture, as well as some theories about why certain styles are popular.

Principles of architecture

There are several principles that play an integral role in designing buildings, landscapes, or public spaces. These include proportion, emphasis, symmetry, unity, and color scheme. All of these contribute to creating aesthetically pleasing environments.

Principle of Proportion refers to the ratio between something small and large, long and short, or high and low. For example, if you wanted to create a space that was very spacious, it would be using proportions such as tall ceilings and/or open windows.

Emphasis is giving special attention to one element over others. An example of this is the window of light coming into a room from outside. People will notice and admire your windows because they are especially attractive!

Symmetry means having things that are opposite each other have similar qualities. This can be applying matching colors together or having objects that are alike hang next to each other.

Unity happens when different parts combine into one whole. A classic example of this is the way curtains match the wall behind them. Or how both sets of doors at a home work together to form a cohesive part of the interior design.

And lastly, color schemes use specific shades of red, green, blue, and yellow to achieve harmony. The best palette changes throughout the seasons and depending on the time period and place.

Principles of design

A principle is a basic rule that makes up part of an architectural theory or philosophy. Some architects use the term “principle” very loosely, referring to any element of their style as a “rule-breaking” concept.

That isn’t good practice though! Breaking rules in architecture often leads to disastrous results, so professional architects usually avoid using the word “principle” unless it is applied strictly.

There are three types of fundamental principles in architecture. They all relate to how space functions within a building and how well the building is designed with respect to its function.

These concepts include such things like proportion, rhythm, and unity. All strong principles that play important roles in shaping how people perceive spaces and buildings.

Proportion refers to the ratio between a given object or group of objects and another. For example, if you have a house shaped like a square then your room proportions would be limited to squares.

Rhythm is the pattern or flow structure involved in something repetitive. In music, this would be a note or sequence of notes that repeat themselves repeatedly.

Unity describes the feeling of cohesion or connectedness among separate parts of a whole. This could be achieved through similarities in color, shape, or both.

Organization of architecture

Like any other field, architects organize their ideas into discrete categories or areas. These categories are referred to as fields, such as interior design or landscape design. Within these larger groups, there are more specific branches, such as classicism, neoclassicism, or Gothic style.

Interior decoration is one area that most people agree has an organized structure. There are clearly defined genres like French Country, Shabby Chic, or Farm Style. Each genre typically includes styles within them, so for example, Chippendale furniture would be considered part of the French country decor style.

Landscape designers have similar structures. The terms formal, natural, informal, and picturesque describe different types of landscapes.

Classicist gardens refer to shapes, patterns, and organization that seem very deliberate and structured. This comes from the ancient Greek roots of the term “classical” which means order or harmony.

Neoclassic gardens adhere to newer classical traditions but with updated decorations and materials. For instance, instead of using marble and granite, plants in Neocolastic gardens use peridontium (meaning ‘dawning of the century’) as soil.

When it comes down to it, what makes up a good garden depends mostly upon how the person designing it feels about nature and beauty. Landscapes can be aesthetically pleasing in many ways, not just through perception of the eye, but also through inspiration and tranquility they provide.

Design elements

A design element is anything in your architecture that gives structure to how you organize and use space. They include color, materials, lines, shapes, and patterns.

All beautiful things are made of ingredients such as colors, textures, and shapes that appeal to our senses. These components come together to form aesthetically pleasing experiences for the viewer.

Architects use this concept to create spaces or designs that make people feel relaxed, stimulated, or even inspired. It’s an integral part of what they do!

The best architects understand the power of designing with beauty and have incorporated it into their practices. In fact, some would say that being beautiful is one of the most important qualities in an architect.

It is very possible that someone else will evaluate the look of an architectural work you produce. So, how much beauty can you incorporate into your projects?

There are only two hard rules when it comes to using beauty as a component in your practice — ketchup and mayonnaise cannot be used alone, but must be mixed together to make a taste-worthy recipe! (We like to call them “ingredients” because of that!)

And just like those recipes, there is no exact ratio of beauty needed to achieve optimal results. Some people think white buildings are boring, while others love stark and minimalist styles.

What we recommend is looking at what types of architectures resonate with you and add these design features to yours.

Surface texture

When talking about shapes, there are two main categories: those that have a curved surface and those that do not. A glass bottle is an example of the first kind, while a cone or cylinder is examples of the second.

A sphere is another good example – it is shaped like a ball but has a very different surface area than a circle. This difference is important because it determines how easily you can touch the object and what textures this surface offers to your hand.

Sphere surfaces contain more areas close to the center than at the edge so they offer less tactile sensation when touched. An easy way to think about it is that water drops have a softer feeling due to this effect.

Spheres are common in geometry since they relate to volume. By definition, spheres have an infinite radius and thus no edge. Volume depends only on length, width and depth so it does not matter where you cut off the end of the sphere.

Cylinders also have no edges nor ends, which makes them unique. You may have seen cylinders before in form and function — pens are a great example of this! They feel comfortable to hold and use because of their shape.

The size of a cylinder affects its usability as well — bigger cylinders are harder to grip and use properly. Smaller cylinders feel better to handle and manipulate- just make sure they are long enough for what you want to use it for!

Edge angles also play a big role in surface texture.

Line shape

An architectural line is one of the most fundamental shapes in architecture. It’s called a “line-shaped space,” or sometimes just a “linear space.” A linear space comes from the Italian word spazio which means space.

A line-shaped space is made up of two lines that intersect at a 90 degree angle. The longer line is referred to as the axis or medium length, while the shorter line is known as the footer or terminal leg.

The length difference between these two lines determines what kind of feeling you get when walking into the room. If the long line is wider than the short line, then it creates an intimate feel. A wide open space feels like a place where people can sit down and talk.

If the long line gets narrower than the short line, then it creates a sense of privacy. You could even make one big wall out of this type of space with no doors! This makes your destination more private, creating some needed solitude.

In order to create a good line-shaped space, there must be enough distance between the two lines. Make sure they are equal distances apart so that users will not feel too confined in their space.

Value (finish)

A well-designed building or space is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also contributes to your community by serving a function. Buildings with beautiful shapes and colors that stand out are noticed, which can boost morale in the workplace.

Architecture is both an art form and a science. Embrace this dual nature and you will be happy working as an architect!

It’s like math — some people love numbers while others find mathematical equations overly complicated. Same thing for architects! Some people appreciate the clean lines of classic buildings, while others admire bold, expressive designs.

Everyone has their favorite styles, so why not develop yours? Try exploring various genres of architecture and see what appeals to you. You may even make new friends!

Value is another key component of architectural design. What is the purpose of the building or space? Does it serve its function effectively? If so, then how beautifully was it done so that users praise it and give it credit for fulfilling its role efficiently?!

These questions emphasize the importance of aesthetics along with functionality in architectural design. Whether you know exactly what makes someone else passionate about architecture or not, there’s always something within you that wants to create spaces and environments that appeal to you – or at least make you feel good when you use them.