La Pedrera, Casa Mila — Antoni Gaudi. by Tyler Hendy on Unsplash

Have you ever noticed how everything around us is designed? From the buildings we work to the bridges we cross, the way things look and feel has a huge impact on our lives. As a web or mobile designer, it’s easy to see how the principles of design apply to everything, including architecture.

When I travel to new countries or head to work, I can’t help but take notice of the buildings around me. I compare their forms, shapes, and designs to the projects I work on every day. And often, I find that there are similarities and inspirations to be found between the world of architecture and the world of digital design.

In this article, I want to explore these similarities with you. I’ll share my thoughts on how we can incorporate ideas from architecture into our web and mobile design projects. By looking at the structures and forms that surround us, we can find inspiration and new ideas that can make our designs even better. So let’s dive in and see what we can learn from the world of architecture!

Fonts

“The typeface is dictated by general forms”. The choice of font can greatly impact the overall style of a design, so it’s important to consider it carefully. One approach is to choose a font that matches the historical period of the building that serves as inspiration. This can create a cohesive and consistent style that ties the design to the period of the building.

Another approach is to select a font that complements the geometry and design of the building. By choosing a font with similar shapes and forms to those found in the building, you can create a sense of harmony and balance between the design and the architecture.

An example of general forms in architecture and font. Remboy Font. Antoni Gaudi building.

Fonts are one of the key elements in web design, and they are just as important in architecture. Architects use typeface to communicate the overall design of a building, and web designers can do the same with their websites. The typeface you choose should reflect the overall design of your website. For example, if your site is modern and sleek, you might choose a sans-serif font with clean lines. On the other hand, if your site is more traditional, you might opt for a serif font with classic proportions. Just as architects carefully choose fonts for building signs and wayfinding systems, web designers must carefully select typefaces that complement their designs. The typography of a building can convey its intended purpose and evoke certain emotions, just as typography on a website can do the same.

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Visual Rhythm and Grid

Visual rhythm and grid are important components of the architecture that can also be applied to web design. In architecture, rhythm refers to the repetition of forms, shapes, and lines, creating a sense of movement and direction in the space. Similarly, in web design, visual rhythm can be achieved through the repetition of design elements, such as buttons, icons, and text blocks, creating a sense of flow and guiding the user through the website.

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One effective way to achieve visual rhythm in web design is by using a grid system. A grid system helps designers to create a sense of structure and balance on the website, making it easier for users to navigate through the pages. The use of a grid system also ensures consistency across all pages and helps to maintain a cohesive visual language.

When designing a website, it’s important to consider the density of elements and the distribution of space. Just as in architecture, the distribution of space can impact the user’s perception of the design. A cluttered and disorganized layout can be overwhelming and confusing, while a layout with too much white space can feel empty and lacking in content.

The choice of the grid and the density of elements should be determined by the purpose of the website and the content it presents. For example, a website that showcases visual art or photography may benefit from a more spacious layout with larger images and fewer text blocks, while a news website may require a denser layout with multiple articles and links on a single page.

The company Aldar, Abu Dhabi, is designed by the architectural firm, MZ Architects.

Decorations and General Forms

When it comes to creating a visually engaging website, decorations, and general forms are important elements that designers should pay attention to. In architecture, decorations serve to enhance a building’s design, while general forms contribute to its overall shape and structure. Similarly, web designers can use decorative elements and general forms to add visual interest to their websites.

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Decorations in web design can take the form of icons, illustrations, graphics, and other visual elements that add detail and interest to a website. These elements can help to break up large blocks of text and create a more engaging user experience. General forms, on the other hand, can be used to create a strong visual impact, such as bold shapes and patterns that catch the eye.

In addition to decorations and general forms, designers can also consider the overall mood and feel they want to convey on their websites. This can include factors such as the strictness or softness of the design, the use of geometric shapes, and the smoothness of lines. Just as these elements can affect the overall aesthetic of a building, they can also have a significant impact on the look and feel of a website.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF NATURAL LIGHT

Light, Shadow, and Volume

Light, shadow, and volume are fundamental elements of architectural design that can also be used to enhance web design. In architecture, light and shadow play a crucial role in creating depth and dimension, while volume helps to establish a sense of scale and proportion. Similarly, in web design, designers can utilize these principles to create visually interesting and engaging websites.

Light and shadow are essential tools in architectural design that can help to create an illusion of depth and add dimension to a building. Similarly, web designers can use subtle shadow effects to create the same sense of depth on their websites. By using drop shadows, for example, designers can create the impression of layers and make certain elements appear to pop out from the background. This technique can help to create a more dynamic and visually interesting design.

THE ARCHITECTURE OF NATURAL LIGHT

Volume is another important element of architectural design that can be used to create a sense of scale and proportion. In web design, volume can be created by incorporating 3D elements such as buttons, icons, and other graphics. By using 3D effects, designers can make certain elements appear to stand out from the background, adding depth and visual interest to the design.

Color: Shades and Unevenness

Color is an essential element in both architecture and web design. In architecture, color can convey mood and atmosphere, while in web design, it can be used to create a strong visual impact. One approach to using color in web design is to incorporate several shades of the same color. By using multiple shades, you can create a cohesive and harmonious color scheme that adds depth and interest to your site.

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Another consideration when working with color is unevenness. In architecture, color often appears uneven on a physical surface due to the way light falls on it at a certain angle. Web designers can use this principle to create a unique and memorable website. For instance, by using color gradients, you can create a smooth transition from one color to another, adding depth and interest to your site.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the principles of design that are applied in architecture can be a valuable source of inspiration for web and mobile designers. By looking at the buildings and structures around us, we can learn new techniques and ideas that can enhance our designs and create a sense of cohesion and balance between the digital and physical worlds.

From fonts to visual rhythm, grids, decorations, and general forms, to the use of light, shadow, and volume, there are many ways that web designers can incorporate the principles of architecture into their designs. By carefully considering these elements and how they can be used to achieve a specific purpose, designers can create websites and mobile applications that are both visually appealing and functional.

It’s important to remember that while drawing inspiration from architecture, web, and mobile designers must also consider the unique challenges and requirements of digital design. The online world presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, and designers must be mindful of the differences between the physical and digital worlds.

Overall, incorporating principles from architecture into web and mobile design can help to create a more compelling and engaging user experience. By understanding how the principles of design apply in different contexts, designers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of their craft and create more effective designs that resonate with their intended audience.

Thank you for reading =)

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