Proportion & Scale

Proportion & Scale

Proportion refers to the proper relation between a part to its whole or to other another part. This may not only refer to size but to also quantity or degree. On the other hand, scale refers to the physical size of an object in comparison to another. Everyday proportions and scales can be altered by perspective, distance, and cultural bias. Quite often it is hard to see very small alterations in proportion or scale. Proportion serves to create harmony and order in our visual environment. A number of theories of proportion have been developed to to accomplish this and will be discussed below.

The Golden Section

Most systems of proportion rely on numbers and the belief that certain relationships of numbers create harmonic proportions. The earliest idea of this is the Golden Section, which also plays off dimensions of the human body. The Golden Section is defined as the ratio between two parts of a line, or the two dimensions of a plane figure, in which the lesser part is to the greater part as the greater is the the whole. Usually the ratio comes out to be somewhere around 0.618 to 1.

A visual representation of the Golden Section in the built environment:

Here we see how a series of golden sections have been applied to create various golden rectangles in this infinite progression known as the golden spiral. The elements within the room have been arranged to match this curvilinear pattern which helps promote visual harmony and balance.

Classic Orders

The Orders within Greek and Roman antiquity represented the perfect definition of harmony and beauty.  The diameter of the column was used as the basic unit of measurement. The columns shaft, entablature, capital, pedestal, and even spacing was influenced by the diameter. The measurement wasn't based upon a specific length. Instead each part of a building was proportionate to the other. 

A visual representation of Classic Orders in the built environment:

Here we see a remake of a classic Doric column. Although it may not have inspired the the rest of the proportions in the space, the proportions of the column itself reflect the principles of the classic orders.

Renaissance Theories

The famous mathematician Pythagoras discovered that the Greek musical system used the simple progression of 1, 2, 3, 4... for its consonances. Their ratios (1:2, 1:3, 2:3, 3:4) led the Greeks to believe that they found the answer to harmony in the universe. In the Renaissance the architects thought the needed to return to a higher, previous order of building. Applying Pythagoras' theories, the Renaissance architects created an unbroken series of ratios that formed not only the dimensions of a room but also the interlocking proportions of the a entire plan. 

A visual representation of Renaissance Theories in the built environment:

One popular ratio in the Renaissance theories is 2:3. Here we see the width of the rug being 2/3 the size of the length of the rug.

Modulor

This system of proportions was developed by the famous architect Le Corbusier. He combined various previous methods of the proportion for his theory. He based his measuring tool not only of the aesthetic dimensions of mathematics but also the functional dimensions of the human figure.
He uses numbers such as 113, 70, and 43 based off the Golden Section and then combined them and created new measurements based off of the human figure.

 

A visual representation of Modulor in the Built Environment:

Here we see Le Corbusier's most famous application of the Modulor, the Unite d'Habitation in Marseilles. Within is consumes 15 measures of the Modulor to bring human scale into a building that is 140m x 24m x 70m.

Ken

Japan's traditional method of measurement is the Shaku, a method similar to the English foot developed in China. Another method of measurement, the ken, transformed from being simply a measurement style for columns to being used as a standard in Japanese residential architecture. The ken became an absolute measurement with a ratio in size of 1:2. It is used not only in the structure of a building but also through aesthetics and materials.

A visual representation of Ken in the built environment:

Here we see the traditional use of Ken in Japanese floor mats. Quite often their dimensions can not only impact the size of the room but also the visual impact through different arrangements and patterns.


Anthropometry

Anthropometry bases measurements off of the size and proportions of the human body. The anthropometric system doesn't seek visual harmony or symbolic ratios instead it is based off of function. Structures and elements within are seen as containers for the human form and should be molded to fit humans. However, it is somewhat of a struggle since there is no one body type for humans. Depending on age, race, and sex various measurements of human size can be taken.

A visual representation of Anthropometry in the built environment:

 

The classic Eames Chair not only applies anthropometry but also ergonomics. The seat is angled to take the weight off the base of your spine; the lower back piece supports your lower back. The angle of the upper back piece that supports your chest allows you to move around comfortably while you're sitting. It fits a variety of body types and sitting positions quite easily.

Scale

As stated before scale refers to the physical size of an object in comparison to another. Something designers have to consider is visual scale. This deals with comparing the size of an object with its normal size or to other things in context. Small-scale is smaller than its normal size. Large-scale is larger than its normal size. Scale plays a big part is creating visual balance and unity within a space.

A visual representation of Scale in the built environment:

Here we see a very large-scale frame within a small office area. It is quite larger than most frames used. However, due to the mostly empty middle and the color being used in other parts of the rooms it isn't too distracting and unbalanced. It instead helps define the space.