Repetition, Symmetry, Balance

"Why do I like to see repetition and symmetry?"

Why are these terms accepted as possible characteristics of "good" architecture? I must say that I do like to see repetition and symmetry properly executed on a building's facade or massing. I find it pleasant to view and generally appreciate these techniques in architecture, but why?

I feel that when we see anything whether it be in architecture, or nature our minds immediately begin to try to understand what we are seeing. We attempt to determine the reasoning behind the element's organization. By creating rhythm, symmetry, or repetition we allow our minds to anticipate what is to come next and when our anticipations are confirmed we have feelings of acceptance and understanding.

In the same way that symmetry can allow someone to understand a building's particular organization, asymmetry, or imbalance can create a moment of hierarchy. Therefore, a particular part of a building's program or massing can be emphasized if needed.

It is easy to view an architectural work and conclude that it is "good architecture". It is through understanding WHY that enables us to determine the reasons for this conclusion.

Why Architecture? Breaking the Ice

I'm starting this blog with an explanation of my general understanding of architecture after attending the University of Maryland and obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Most people who study architecture in college learn to become excellent critical thinkers. If anyone has spent time with an architecture student they are well aware of this. As architecture students we are constantly asked "Why?" and learn to constantly ask ourselves this question. WHY is your building oriented in a particular way? WHY is that your hallway's dimension? While these questions have answers, they don't exactly have one correct answer. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your overall design reinforces these decisions and eventually produces a building whose parts function as a whole.

It is this variety that holds my interest in the field of architecture. Not only have I experienced many different design problems throughout school. I have also found that each problem has many solutions. This creates a double edge sword that architecture students must learn to accept.

Architecture is not the place for a perfectionist who is searching for an "end" in the road. On the contrary, architecture produces a road that arrives to an "rest stop" which branches out in many directions. None of which have an "end".