The history context of psychology and art

• Gestalt Principles


  Theories that explain how individuals perceive and organize visual information
• Gestalt Principles in Architecture

  1. Proximity

  2. Similarity

  3. Continuity

  4. Closure

  5. Figure-Ground Relationship
• Proximity


  • The arrangement of elements in a way that influences how people perceive their relationships
• Similarity


  • The use of identical or similar elements in design to establish patterns or groupings
• Continuity


  • The flow of elements, whether in the form of lines, patterns, or spatial arrangements
• Closure


  • Individuals tend to mentally complete fragmented or incomplete forms
• Figure-Ground Relationship


  • Distinguishing between the foreground and background in visual perception
• Gestalt principles enable architects to create spaces that are more intuitive and user-friendly
• Gestalt principles help architects compose spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and functional
• Gestalt principles can be employed to evoke specific emotional responses
• Gestalt principles can guide architects in sustainable design
• Proximity


  • The Oval, Japan - doors placed at different distances away from each other, creating a visual rhythm around the pool
• Similarity


  • 4x4 House, Japan - two nearly identical buildings placed next to one another
• Continuance


  • Fort Worth Museum, USA - reflection pool allows architectural structure to continue into the water
• Closure


  • Church of the Light, Japan - negative space between walls create a cross that becomes illuminated with natural light
• Figure/Ground


  • Nariwa Museum, Japan - structure of walls and negative space create interesting figure/ground relationships
• The gestalt principles describe the visual language within which architects work
• Understanding gestalt principles helps designers communicate better
• Gestalt principles are very basic to all designs, and an architect can use them to help define and highlight requirements or shape interpretation
• Proximity in architectural composition

  The deliberate arrangement of elements within a space in such a way that their physical nearness implies a relationship or connection
• Spatial Relationships


  • Placing structural elements in close proximity can define distinct areas within a larger space, creating a sense of enclosure or separation
• Functional Grouping


  • Proximity is employed to group functionally related elements together
• Visual Cohesion


  • When design elements are arranged closely, they form visually connected clusters, adding a sense of order and harmony
• The Louvre Pyramid, Paris


  • The pyramid's placement in close proximity to the historic Louvre buildings creates a powerful architectural statement
• Fallingwater, Pennsylvania


  • The house is integrated with the waterfall, as it hovers in close proximity to the cascading waters
• Sydney Opera House, Australia

  • The close grouping of the distinct sail-like shells creates a sense of visual harmony and integration
• Similarity in architectural design

  The intentional use of visual characteristics to establish a sense of unity among elements
• Color Palette


  • The use of a consistent color palette throughout a space can create a sense of unity
• Texture and Material


  • The choice of similar textures and materials can tie together various design elements
• Repetitive Forms


  • The repetition of geometric shapes or design motifs creates a visual rhythm, contributing to a unified composition
• The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao


  • The building's undulating, titanium-clad exterior unifies the various elements through a common material and texture
• The Alhambra, Spain


  • The repeated geometric "Alhambra tiling" pattern establishes a strong visual similarity throughout the complex
• The Sydney Opera House, Australia

  • The consistent form and material of the sail-like shells establish a strong visual identity
• Continuity or Continuance in architectural design


  The arrangement and organization of architectural features to create a sense of visual connection and coherence
• Spatial Flow


  • Elements such as corridors, walkways, and open floor plans facilitate a sense of movement and progression
• Visual Pathways


  • Lines of sight, focal points, and vistas are carefully planned to create a sense of order and coherence
• Materials and Finishes


  • Consistent use of materials and color schemes throughout a building fosters a sense of unity and visual connection
• Continuity is instrumental in establishing a visual hierarchy within a building
• Spatial continuity helps architects organize interior spaces in a logical and user-friendly manner
• Visual hierarchy


  • Continuity is instrumental in establishing a visual hierarchy within a building
  • Architects use this principle to draw attention to key architectural features or focal points, enhancing the overall user experience