Architectural

ordering Principles
Theory vs principle
Theory – is that which deals with what is permanent and always valid notably
the rules of art and laws of statics.
-French Architect Viollet-Le-Duc
Principle-a fundamental concept/idea that serves as a foundation for a system.

Architectural ordering principles set the basis for a design process and ensure
a balanced and coherent design

Applicable in both art and architecture and build on/founded upon the theory
of visual perception
Order in Architecture
• Order refers to a condition in which each part of a whole is properly disposed with
reference to other parts and to its purpose so as to produce a harmonious
arrangement.
• There exists a natural diversity and complexity in the program requirements for
buildings.
• It is in recognition of this natural diversity, complexity, and hierarchy in the
programming, designing, and making of buildings that ordering principles are
discussed.
• Order without diversity can result in monotony or boredom; diversity without order
con produce chaos.
• A sense of unity with variety is the ideal.
• The ordering principles are seen as visual devices that allow the varied and diverse
forms and spaces of a building to coexist perceptually and conceptually within an
ordered, unified, and harmonious whole."
 Traces of ordering principles in
history
• Nature order-the golden ratio Phi (1:1,618)
• Prehistoric order- the post and lintel construction, use concentric circles for
instance in the Stonehenge
• Ancient Egyptian order-measurement system based on the human body
e.g the royal arm, use of geometric modules like triangles, rectangle and
squares.
• Classical orders- one of the ancient styles of building design in the Classical
Tradition, distinguished by their proportions and their characteristic profile
and details, but most quickly recognizable by the type of column and
capital employed
Axis
• Axis: An axis is a central line that helps to organize a design. Often
there is an axis at the center of a building or over a doorway.
• When architects use an axis or focal point in their design it acts like a
straight arrow on a sign, pointing you in the right direction.
• The axis is perhaps the most elementary means of organizing forms
and spaces in architecture.
• lt is a line established by two points in space, about which forms and
spaces can be a ranged in a regular or irregular manner.
• Although imaginary and not visible except to the mind's eye, an axis
can be a powerful, dominating, regulating device. Although it implies
symmetry, it demands balance.
• An axis is established by two points; a symmetrical condition requires
the balanced arrangement of equivalent patterns of form and space
on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane, or about a center or axis.
• The specific disposition of elements about an axis will determine
whether the visual force of an axial organization is subtle or
overpowering, loosely structured or formal, picturesque or
monotonous.
 Symmetry
• Symmetry: Symmetry refers to the geometry of a building and occurs if
the building is the same on either side of an axis.
• Types of symmetry that are most commonly used in architecture are:
Lateral (the two sides are mirror images of each other), and can be vertical
(up and down axis) or horizontal (across axis). Lateral symmetry refers to
the balanced arrangement of similar or equivalent elements on opposite
sides of a median axis
Radial symmetry refers to the balanced arrangement of similar, radiating
elements such that the composition can be divided into similar halves by
passing a plane at any angle around a center-point or along a central axis.
Hierarchy
• Hierarchy: A hierarchy is a system which organizes items based on
how important they are, with the most important things being the
most obvious. In architecture, a hierarchy is most often established
through the use of shape, size, color, or location. A design element
will stand out if it is noticeably different from the rest of the design.
• In any case, the manner in which the functional symbolic differences
among a building's elements are revealed is critical to the
establishment of a visible, hierarchical order among its forms and
spaces.
• The principle of hierarchy implies that in most if not all architectural
compositions, real differences exist among their forms and spaces.
• These differences reflect the degree of importance of these forms and
spaces, as well as the functional, formal, and symbolic roles they play
in the organization.
• The value system by which relative importance is measured will of
course depend on the specific situation, the needs and desires of the
users, and the decisions of the designer.
• The values expressed may be Individual or collective, personal or
cultural.
Rhythm/Repetition
• Rhythm/Repetition: Rhythm is established through the use of
repeated forms. In architecture, repetition refers to a pattern in which
the same shape, size, or color is used over and over again throughout
the design. If that shape then changes but is still recognizable it
demonstrates rhythm.
Transformation
• Transformation: A form that repeats can also be said to show
transformation if it looks a little different each time. Sometimes
shapes transform by getting bigger or smaller but they might also
rotate, stretch, or morph into a different shape.
Datum
• Datum: A datum is a form which ties together or anchors all other
elements of the design.
• It can be a line, like a road with houses arranged along its length, a
flat plane, or even a 3D space. Many buildings all share a plane which
acts as a clear datum— it’s the ground on which they are built!
• A preceding section illustrated the ability of an axis to organize a
series of elements along its length. In effect, the axis was serving as a
datum.
• A datum, however, need not be a straight line. It can also be planar or
volumetric in form.