What term best describes the arrangement of various elements in a design to create an organized whole?

The term that best describes the arrangement of various elements in a design to create an organized whole is composition. In architectural and design contexts, composition refers to the harmonious arrangement of different elements such as shapes, colors, textures, and spaces in a manner that results in a cohesive and visually pleasing outcome. It involves the thoughtful placement and interaction of these elements to achieve balance, unity, and emphasis, which are all essential to creating effective designs.

While organization can refer to the systematic placement of elements, it does not encapsulate the artistic and aesthetic aspect that composition conveys. Proportion focuses specifically on the relationships between the sizes of elements, which, while important, is just one aspect of overall composition. Arrangement implies a more straightforward placement of objects without the nuance of overall design principles embodied in the concept of composition. Thus, composition is the most comprehensive term for capturing the essence of an organized whole in design.