The Beauty of Symmetry: How Balance Defines Traditional Architecture

It’s in our nature as human beings to be drawn towards symmetry and proportion; we are hard-wired to seek patterns. In relation to architecture, most buildings that are symmetrical and proportionate are perceived as harmonious and beautiful. Classical architecture is based on the concepts of symmetry, proportion, harmony, and balance. Traditional architecture further draws on classical principles, but it has a wider range, as it can adapt to various cultural or historical styles. With all that being said, the main point is that symmetry and proportion are what shape the visual aesthetics of traditional architecture.   

Symmetry as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is the “correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on opposite sides of a dividing line or median plane or about a center or axis.” There are different types of symmetry like radial and bilateral symmetry but for simplicity's sake, we are talking about symmetry as a whole. The concept of symmetry in architecture could be brought back to Vitruvius. Vitruvius wrote “The Ten Books on Architecture”, which is known all over the world concerning classical architecture and the main principles that classical architecture is built on. Leonardo Da Vinci even created a diagram based on Vitruvius’ writings showing human proportions in relation to geometry. Another example would be the Golden Mean which is said to be found in nature and the human body. It’s a pattern, a sequence that has been found that can be applied to all things. 

Leonardo da Vinci: Vitruvian Man, Soegaard, M. (2020). The Golden Ratio - Principles of form and layout.

silverpoint and pen and ink drawing by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1498  Interaction Design Foundation.

From window patterns to column spacing, it is important in traditional design to ensure that there is thought into how a floor plan will look in elevation. In many of our designs, we try to make the front facade as symmetrical as possible while keeping the floor plan functional . Nothing is worse than seeing a window in a place that doesn't make sense and ruins the overall composition of the design. Below are 2 homes that have 5 bays. On the left is a design produced by us here at Brown Design Studio which shows 5 equal bays with windows that are centered in each bay and a main door. To the right is a house done by an unknown architect that also has 5 bays. The issue here is that the middle bay is not centered and the ground floor windows are completely different. Additionally, the shutters overcrowd the front facade which is not aesthetically pleasing or harmonious to look at.

This comparison shows why symmetry and proportion are crucial to traditional design. Some might not see any issues with the house on the right but many will as it goes against the basic principles of classical and traditional architecture as well as what we are wired to visually find appealing. Robert Adam spoke about this exact topic at the IMCL Conference in October 2023. His main point was that humans psychologically respond better to traditional architecture rather than to modern architecture. Ancient Greek and Roman buildings were built with this understanding as even their column styles were based on human proportion and symmetry. We like things that visually resemble human beings even if it is in a very symbolic way.

I encourage readers to observe symmetry in the architecture around them. Whether it’s on your commute to work or walking down the street you will begin to notice the role it plays in the majority of all architectural designs. Symmetry is what ties a design together and creates balance and harmony. It has been explained time and time again by people like Vitruvius, Leonardo Da Vinci, Palladio, and many more well-known figures why proportion and symmetry are so important. Humans have been proven to respond in a more positive way to symmetrical designs so why would we try and force the opposite?