CONTRAST

Contrast is a principle of composition which gives identity to 2 formal systems.

Contrast is always established with 2 elements of opposite nature.

The interdependence of elements is achieved by tension from their opposing

characteristics.

Contrast is combining elements of opposite characteristics. Contrast can be

established with two elements of contrasting nature. Contrast creates a sense of

interest because one element shows up the other.

Contrast in design can be brought about by placing two elements together so that

one element highlights the other element which is positive contrast.

The following elements can be combined contextually to bring contrast into the

composition:

1. Colours: Black and White composition, Light and dark

background, positive and negative etc

2. Forms : Rigid and free flowing forms

3. Textures : smooth and rough, matte and glossy finishes

4. Spaces : Open and Built up spaces, wide and narrow spaces – narrow

passage leading to a larger quadrangle space, solids and voids

5. Function: Corridors and Habitable rooms like living areas, bedrooms etc.,

courtyard and rooms

6. Levels : High and low - In landscape design – use of hardscape and

softscape – path ways and planter box, mounds etc, use of spilt levels in

plans, swimming pool and decks etc

7. Lines : Vertical and Horizontal lines, curved and straight lines, convex and

concave

8. Materials : Artificial and Natural materials wood and steel, Reflective and

Absorbent Materials

Contrast enables us to establish differences and when two opposites are placed

together in a contrasting nature, a meaning of the form is highlighted by its

opposite. Contrast is related to proportion as an important aspect of design.

The element of contrast is clearly visible in the Sant Ivo della Sapienza, Rome. The

convex form above contrasts with the concave below breaking the monotony.

Another good example is the Mill owners association

building by Le Corbusier. Here the contrast is clearly

seen between the curved and straight lines giving each

its own unique identity.

Mill owners association building,Ahmedabad

Sant Ivo della Sapienza, Rome

HARMONY

Harmony is the relationship between all shapes, colours, lines and other design

elements in such a way that each one agrees with the other. It is blending of different

elements in design in such a way that it portrays repose.

Ex: Analogous colours in a colour wheel produce harmonious effect. One could

also produce building harmony with nature.

Harmony is used to achieve a pleasing and consistent whole, free from

disagreement.

Like in music harmony is the choice of tunes and process of playing tunes which

results in melody. In design too, selection of element and grouping them should

result in harmony giving rise to beauty.

Ex: Kaufmann house (Falling Waters), Pennsylvania, designed by Frank Lloyd

Wright: The building is constructed amidst the woods and is in complete harmony

with its surrounding.

Frank Lloyd Wright has used the materials from the site for its construction and

has designed the building in such a way that it is in complete harmony with its

surroundings.

Harmony can be observed in choice of materials, function, construction, colours,

finishes etc.

STRENGTH

The notion of strength is important both visually and physically in buildings for safety.

Strength gives visual stability to a composition. Buildings should look strong, stable

and this can be achieved by the following steps:

Use of appropriate material like stone, brick etc.

Providing proper ratios of solids and voids

Base to be wider than the top or have any stable element – Pyramids, Cones,

Cubes show greater stability than spheres

Exposed structured elements – size of the columns or beams and positioning of

structural elements closely makes the design appear stronger and also the size

of the structural elements gives a notion of strength.

Ex: Robie House in Chicago, Illinois by Frank Lloyd Wright

In Greek Temples use of straight lines gives a notion of strength compared to the

curved lines

In Hoysala and Chalukyan Temples in Belur and Halebid - the use of multi tiered stone plinth with sculptures defines a strong base to the temple.