Centrumregel

Centrumregel is a principle used in various fields to describe the positioning of a central element with respect to other elements. In Dutch, the term literally translates to “central rule” and is often applied in design, architecture, and visual composition to ensure that a focal point is placed strategically within a layout. The rule guides the placement of key elements so that they become the visual or functional hub around which everything else is organized.

In graphic design and photography, the centrumregel suggests placing important subjects along intersecting lines that divide the canvas into thirds or quarters, thereby creating a sense of balance and emphasis. In architectural planning, the principle is applied to streets, public squares, and building facades, where a central landmark acts as the spatial reference for surrounding structures.

The concept also appears in economics and business management. There, the centrumregel can denote a central organizational approach where a core policy or strategy acts as the nucleus around which subsidiary processes revolve. It is used to emphasize the importance of a single guiding principle that shapes decision-making and resource allocation.

The origin of the principle is traced back to classic composition theory in art history, which identified the importance of central axis and symmetry. Over time it has been adapted to contemporary practices in digital media, ergonomics, and user experience design, becoming a foundational guideline for effective visual communication.