In design what kind of unity is created when individual elements have an effect of their own and are not subordinate to the total effect

The answer is Absolute.

Absolute Unity is the arrangement of elements to create interest without showing or having any emphasis to any one element 

based on the images pictured above, the major difference between the two cathedrals: the cathedral of notre dame and the amiens cathedral, is that the cathedral of notre dame emphasizes the horizontal lines while the amiens cathedral emphasizes the vertical lines.