# Architecture Principle Structure

**In short:** An architecture principle is written in four parts: a Name, a Statement, a Rationale and Implications. Together they show the rule, why it helps the business, and what it demands.

## Explanation

The TOGAF principle template splits every principle into four parts. Each part has its own job. (The article on TOGAF covers the framework itself.)

**Name.** The name is a clear, memorable label for the rule. One example principle is Technology Independence.

**Statement.** The statement gives the fundamental rule. It must be short and leave no room for doubt. For example: applications should not depend on specific technology platforms.

**Rationale.** The rationale explains the business benefits of following the principle. Its arguments should support discussion. They should also relate to the stakeholders and their goals. A stakeholder is anyone with an interest in the system.

**Implications.** The implications list what it takes to carry out the principle. That means requirements, resources, costs and activities or tasks. TOGAF prescribes implications as part of the template.

**Why the structure matters.** Principles are meant to be enduring and seldom amended. They reflect consensus, guide future IT decisions and align with business objectives. A fixed structure puts the rule, the reason and the consequences in one place.

**Qualities of a good principle.** A secondary guide names five qualities: understandable, robust, complete, consistent and stable. Stable means the principle withstands the test of time and stays relevant.

For the general idea of a principle, see Architecture Principle.

## Example

A team writes a principle for a retail company.

- **Name:** Technology Independence.
- **Statement:** Applications do not depend on specific technology platforms.
- **Rationale:** Applications can run on a variety of platforms. This serves the business goals of the stakeholders.
- **Implications:** The team lists the requirements, resources, costs and tasks needed to keep applications free of platform dependence.

## Trade-offs

The facts describe the template and its purposes. They do not describe drawbacks. One point is worth noting: the template only works if each part is filled in. A principle without implications states a rule but hides what it requires.



## Checks

- Each principle has a Name, a Statement, a Rationale and Implications.
- The Statement is short and states one fundamental rule without ambiguity.
- The Rationale gives business benefits and relates to stakeholders and their goals.
- The Implications list requirements, resources, costs and tasks for carrying out the principle.

## Related

- [Architecture Principle](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/principles/architecture-principle.md)
- [Working with Principles](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/principles/working-with-principles.md)
- [TOGAF](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/enterprise-architecture/togaf.md)
- [Relationships Between Architecture Principles](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/principles/relationships-between-architecture-principles.md)
- [Conflicting Architecture Principles](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/principles/conflicting-architecture-principles.md)
- [Data Architecture Principle](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/enterprise-architecture/data-architecture-principle.md)
- [Continuous Architecture Principles](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/principles/continuous-architecture-principles.md)
- [Architecture Decision Rationale](https://arc.fuet.ch/concepts/forces-decisions/architecture-decision-rationale.md)

## Sources

- [Comprehensive Guide to Applying Architecture Principles in TOGAF ADM - Visual Paradigm](https://togaf.visual-paradigm.com/2025/01/21/comprehensive-guide-to-applying-architecture-principles-in-togaf-adm/) — togaf.visual-paradigm.com, accessed 2026-11-09
- [Fundamentals for architecture principles (part1) - Sogeti Labs](https://labs.sogeti.com/fundamentals-for-architecture-principles-part1/) — labs.sogeti.com, accessed 2026-11-09
- [Crafting Effective Architecture Principles: A Guide - Visual Paradigm](https://togaf.visual-paradigm.com/2023/10/12/crafting-effective-architecture-principles-a-guide/) — togaf.visual-paradigm.com, accessed 2026-11-09