The Balance Problem Set

Problem 12 Tutorial: Textured Pattern

Question: Which of the two images below is the best example of a balanced composition created by the use of textured pattern at the building scale?

Adler & Sullivan, Wainwright Building, St. Louis, Missouri, (1890)

SOM, Lever House, New York City, NY, (1952)

Pattern can be used to create balance in architecture, especially when patterned surfaces are complimented with unpatterned surfaces. A "pattern" in architecture can be made with color or texture. It can be created with one material and various textures, or various colours and one texture. A pattern could also be created by light and shadow. Below are three examples of pattern at the detail scale.
Concrete blocks turned to create shadows	Rose window, Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France, (1163-1250)	Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy, Alberti, (1278-1350)

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