Proportion & Scale

GOLDEN SECTION

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The Golden Section was a proportion, established to create the "perfect" harmony. This is created by using ratios in which that of the smaller to larger is the same as that of the larger to the whole. My example of the Taj Mahal also uses this method to determine the placement and size of the arches.

THE CLASSICAL ORDERS

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1. http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/6033386438_2b06769c0e.jpg

The Orders, is the name of the system of which classical architecture used columns for construction. There are five columns, which are grouped in a hierarchal arrangement, from typically smaller and simpler, to the larger and more ornate. Today the use of columns have been used for a lot less formal designs, being used in houses or even to accentuate gardens. My example shows the use of a Corinthian column being used as a decorative and structural element for the front of this house.   

RENAISSANCE THEORIES

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The Renaissance Theories is a building/design method, which was derived from the Greek musical scale in which created the ratios of ascending numbers were thought to create harmony in a structure (much like the golden ratio). In my example the ratio is that of a repeated 3:4, which starts from the distance of the Ionic columns at the entrance of the structure.

THE MODULAR

http://www.decorationtricks.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/modular-bathroom-design-by-althea-ceramica_2.jpg 

The Modular proportioning system is that which uses the human body as its measuring unit, and designs are built from these dimensions. From them the lengths and heights of all elements in a design were created. In my example I chose this image, to show that not only architecture used the modular scale. In my example the modular scale was used to create the heights and lengths of this sink/cabinet combination including their individual dimensions.

THE KEN

http://www.aicreate.com/japanese-traditional-style-house-interior-design.jpg

The Ken is a Japanese system in which the length of a floor mat, then created the length and widths of rooms and the architectural design of many Japanese houses. These designs became grids to determine the spacing of columns and the heights of ceilings in rooms as well. This method was what determined the harmony and balance within a Japanese home. In my example, I used the view inside a Japanese house, in which the room I zoomed in to used a 6-mat arrangement. 

ANTHROPOMETRIC

http://i-cdn.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/kitchen/jane-ktlg1.jpg


Anthropometrics refers to the size and proportions of objects or elements determined by the average human body. Heights of counters or cabinets, the depths of sinks, the widths between walls etc... are established due to anthropometrics. In design, it is an essential tool, because there are set dimensions for the placement and scale of whatever people will have to interact with or in. In my image I show how this woman's figure relates with that of the objects in her kitchen.

SCALE

http://commonorgarden.blogs.com/photos/india_may/tribals.jpg

Scale is the word to define the size relationship between objects and objects and people. Scale can be the comparison of subjects next to each other as well as them within or contained in something. In my example, the scale of this home in relation to its inhabitants is smaller than usual, and the door shows a distinctly smaller size being closer to the height of people sitting, rather than standing, which lets us know they must crouch to get in and out of this space.