The elements and principles of design - The Ruins of St. Paul's...

The elements of design are things that designers and artists work with to create a design or composition. The elements are line, shape, space, value, colour and texture. And the principles in design are achieved through the use of elements of design. Unity, harmony, balance, rhythm, contrast, dominance and gradation are all defines as the principles of design. 


The image I presented here is the Ruins of St. Paul's church in Macau that have rich feature of ornaments on the facade.

The Ruins of St.Paul's (Photo by Helen Cun)

The Ruins of St. Paul's (Portuguese: Ruínas de São Paulo,) refer to the façade of what was originally the Cathedral of St. Paul, a 17th century Portuguese cathedral in Macau dedicated to Saint Paul the Apostle. Today, the ruins are one of Macau's most famous landmarks. In 2005, the Ruins of St. Paul were officially enlisted as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Macau.

Front facade (Photo by Helen Cun)

It was built from 1582 to 1602 by the Jesuits, but in 1835 a typhoon and fire destroyed the building which leaving only the facade of the church and steps leading up to it. 


The rich figural ornament on the facade is arranged in five registers. Above the main doorway is an inscription dedicating the church to the Mother of God. In the second register above this are figures of Jesuit saints, flanking the three windows. Above this is a profusion of relief ornament, ranging from a figure of the Virgin to dragons, skeletons and a variety of motifs both European and Asian. All this gives some inkling of how magnificent the church must once have been.

Side view (Photo by Planetware.com)

    Rear facade (Photo by Helen Cun)

These photos were taken on
my trip to Macau after 20 years.
The feeling of returning to the
place where I was born, was special
even though the memories of Macau
were vague for me, but it was great
to be back.