Chapter 6 Proportion and Scale

Golden Selection
The golden selection is somewhat of a natural phenomena that we see appear in natures design. Natures beauty is incredibly complex and studied. The order we see in this natural phenomena is applied sometimes in design in a mathematical way to hopefully create this regulating theory. The golden selection in mathematical terms is as follows: a/b = b/(a+b).

The order of this flower in a radial accuracy is brilliant and bold. The golden selection is easily understood and no less appreciated in this incredible burst of nature.

The Orders
The orders are the ancient rules of thumb. The standard per say. There are several types of orders that originate from the Classical period. Tuscan, doric, ionic, corinthian, and composite are the columns looked to in all aspects of design. The Greeks were the masters of proportion and scale, and to this the columns speak.

There may be no better example than the Parthenon. A genius of a design in its mathematical accuracy and brilliance in proportion and scale. The Parthenons columns are built in the doric order.

Renaissance Theories
Renaissance theory stressed the importance of proportion. They believed their architecture followed something higher and aligned. This theory led the architects of this time to design incredibly beautiful buildings with such accurate order and craft that they translated into units to dictate the design. They created ratios that they would follow meticulously like 1,2,3,4. These ratios were, 1:2, 1:3, 2:3, 3:4.

This image is a great example of these theories shown in this temple plan. You can see the ratios being used through out this plan. It begins to read as a simple ratio that is easily comprehended.

  


































The Modular
Le Corbusier developed the modular system for proportioning. This system was created with the idea that the human scale would dictate certain proportional choices of design. It was no longer solely based on mathematics in proportion but now thought of as a modular system.


This image depicts the modular system for proportioning as everything is proportioned to the human scale in a modular manner and what better way to depict this than a Le Corbusier masterpiece. That no matter what it could be created again and again upon a specific set of rules within the system.

The Ken
Ken became a system of measurement in architecture for the Japanese. It was repeated everywhere and as a standard rule within the system. It created a certain balance and harmony within the different designs which was and is foundational of the cultures beliefs.

This is a great example of the ken within a small apartment. You see the standard of the floor mat repeating itself in the other parts of the plan. Often times you can add certain elements together and they will always come back to equaling that original standard.

 

Anthropomorphic
Anthropomorphic is used in design as a tool for understanding the optimal designs for the human understanding and use. It is a study of data that can help designers understand the distribution of the bodies dimensions in order to understand better what they have and will conceptualize.

This example gives you a good idea of the concept of anthropometrics and its importance within the design field. Not just interior design but architecture as well. The data is constantly changing, thus the designs are constantly evolving.

 
















Scale
Scale is easily understood as the size of something compared to something that is the same. Scale equals size and proportion equals relative size. Scale is all around us constantly. It is our understanding and perception of the components of structure in our lives.

This example is interesting in that the scale is very large. But can only be perceived in this manner due to the fact that we have an understanding of the area around it which gives us the information needed in understanding the scale. Proportion and scale work as a team in some regards.

Chapter 5: Circulation

Building Approach 
The approach to a building shapes the way we perceive the architecture of the structure. It dictates our feeling, and the view of the building. If the approach is one of long distance, your perception of the building from a distance will change as you become closer and closer. Thus the approach is very important.

The Palace of Versailles is an elegant example of the Building Approach. You are overpowered by the beauty of the garden that leads you to the entrance to the Palace and this dictates your perception of the structure at the end of your approach. It also indicates for you what may lie ahead. In the case of the Palace of Versailles beauty leads to beauty.

Building Entrance
The entrance to the building plays an integral role in the overall feeling of the building. Often times we see such attention to detail to the entrance of buildings, in an attempt to make a good first impression. Sometimes the entrance is flat against the building creating continuity, and other times it protrudes outward, or sinks inwardly. In both of the later, shelter is created an a feeling of surrounding encompasses you.

This building entrance is both interesting and a good example of a recessed entrance. This sort of entrance invites you into the building, as if you need to go a little further to discover what it inside. Functionally this sort of entrance makes sense as it protects from the elements.

Configuration of the Path
Configuration of the path dictates the direction and the greatly controls circulation. As human beings we are constantly able to stop, turn, and start moving again along what ever path we are on. However, we as humans need mores space to function and operate within. The consideration of the configuration of the path is a very important one as it aids in our direction.

This is a great example of configuration of the path in that we see a clear path that has been configured in an intentional way so that all the guests will be on a certain path to view all of the art work in the museum. The Guggenheim has gone even further that they make sure you start at the top by bringing you their with an elevator.

Path-Space Relationships
The path leads us to the spaces that have some sort of relationship to it. We are lead sometimes naturally or purposefully to areas that are connected by this path. Along this path we begin to realize the relationship between these spaces and how our path has created and dictated this relationship.


This image is a good example of path-space relationships and is powerfully portrayed in this mosque. The path leads us to these spaces. Some cross, and some are merely along the line that we follow. The impact these spaces have on us are impart due to the path that leads us to these spaces. Thus, the path-space relationship is quite important.

Form of the Circulation Space
Form of the circulation space can be seen as a room, hallway, corridor, and gallery. This form is viewed as a connector for us. There are three types of these spaces: enclosed, one side open, and both sides open.

This image clearly represents the form of this unique space. Notice how this form dictates the feel of circulation space. It is open on one side and this has a large bearing on how this space feels.

Chapter 4-Organization

Spatial Relationships


Space Within a Space: 
There are several different ways spaces can relate to each other, and a very common spatial relationship is the space within a space. We see this sort of relationship in offices most commonly, where cubicles make up the spaces with in the greater volume of space. The relationship between the space within the space is one where the smaller space is dependent on the larger for its perceived place within the greater volume.

The image below is a great example of a space within a space. This one has a very strong relationship with the greater volume, as it serves to define the spaces around it. Furthermore, the space within the space then creates a space within itself, as you see here!

Interlocking Spaces:
Interlocking spaces have a especially unique relationship as they become apart of each other in a way. These spaces interlock and create continuity through proximity. These interlocking spaces have the flexibility to be interpreted in a number of different manners. That is why they are so interesting!

This image is an awesome example of interlocking spaces. This house has many different spaces that interlock with each other, creating interest and continuity. It is interesting to see the way each space retains its own volume but adds a new and unique component to the space it has now interlocked with.

Spaces Linked by a Common Space:
This is an interesting relationship in that the space linking the common spaces is greatly relied upon for the interpretation of all of the linked spaces. This sort of space can also be looked at as a focal point. The spaces that share this common focal point of connection also have unique relationships with each other.

This image is a great example of spaces linked by a common space. You see the home has to similar yet unique wings, or modules that make up the entirety of the home. Yet, if it were not for the third space in the center, the two unique parts of the whole would become separate and unconnected.

Spatial Organizations


Centralized Organization:
Centralized organization is one that we have seen from the beginning of architecture. We see this sort of organization occur in its best form and example in many plans of churches. Often they will have this central organization either in the interior or represented in a dome on the exterior.

This image of the Pantheons plan could not exemplify centralized organization better. All of the parts are organized around the center of the large dome. This sort of organization is seen in many similar buildings for the sense of unity felt within the space created by the central organization or the visual feeling one would receive from viewing such a structure from the exterior.

Linear Organization:
This form of spatial organization is very interesting in that it provides a great deal of visual continuity throughout the organization of elements in this manner. Spaces in a series can be linked in a couple of ways when organized with linear organization. They can either be directly related to each other, or organized a long the same linear space.

This example of the columns and statues is a prime example of linear organization. We see the relationship of the spaces and elements in the way they are organized a long the same linear space. Furthermore, there is a wonderful sense of continuity that is created through the placement of these elements and their organization.