Composition and layout

Member lesson

Balance, symmetry and asymmetry

Lesson 19 of 27 in Composition and layout.

Understanding Balance as a Principle of Design · NPTEL-NOC IITM
Lesson

Balance is about where the attention sits, not where the objects sit. A small dark element far from the centre can hold against a large pale one near it, in the same way a child balances an adult on a seesaw by sitting further out.

large, pale, nearsmall, dark,farvisual weight is attention, not area
A small dark element far out balancing a large pale one near the centre.
A level seesaw in a park with a small child in a dark coat at the far end and a large adult in a pale coat close to the pivot.
A small child far out on a seesaw balances an adult sitting near the middle. On a page, a small dark shape far from centre can hold a large pale one.
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Members answer these 2 questions and keep the ticket for this lesson. Every lesson has one.

  1. Question 1, locked

    Which of these words means this? “Equal weight either side of an axis. Formal, stable, ceremonial.”

    • Symmetrical balance
    • Breathing room
    • Ranged left
    • Isolation
  2. Question 2, locked

    Which of these words means this? “Unequal elements balanced by position and weight. Active.”

    • Focal point
    • Asymmetrical balance
    • Column grid
    • Panel

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