Work Towards a Well-Balanced Asymmetrical Composition

Nature rarely exhibits perfect symmetry, and the same holds true for vivarium designs. Rather than aiming for symmetrical balance, the goal in most vivarium designs is to achieve an asymmetrical balance.

Think of it as a seesaw or a beam balance scale from your childhood. Each side may have different weights, but they can still remain balanced based on how the heavier and lighter elements are positioned.

In vivarium design, an asymmetrical composition intentionally creates an imbalance of elements. This deliberate imbalance adds tension and movement to your composition.

To achieve this effect, one side of your composition can feel visually heavier than the other, as long as it remains balanced.

For example, you can balance several small elements against one large element. Alternatively, you can position smaller elements further away from the center of the composition.

In both cases, the elements are not the same size and are not evenly positioned, unlike with symmetrical balance. However, your composition still maintains a sense of balance while creating visual interest.

Remember, asymmetrical balance adds a dynamic and natural feel to your vivarium. It mimics the organic imperfections found in nature and creates a visually compelling composition.

By intentionally placing elements with different sizes and positioning them thoughtfully, you can strike a harmonious balance while capturing the viewers’ attention.