Does Size Really Matter?

"Bigger is always better". "Less is More". There seems to be many differing opinions on aesthetics and size, but in the built environment, the principles of proportion and scale are absolutes and have theories and ratios that govern proper proportions and the idea of scale. As humans we see proportions in the natural environment as well as the human body itself. Our eyes are trained to a set of norms that feel "right".

THE GOLDEN SECTION

The Golden Section is mathematically based and is the ratio between two sections of a line or the two dimensions of a plane. This has properties of both algebra and geometry.

THE ORDERS

The Orders was a system of proportion based on the Greek column that the greeks had fine tuned over hundreds of years to insure the peoper proportion of buildings. There are 5 orders of columns and they include, Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.

 

One of the most famous American buildings, The White House is a classically inspired piece of architecture that shows the use of the Greek Doric Column.


RENAISSANCE THEORIES

Widely used by many geniuses of the Renaissance and particularly by Andrea Palladio, This mathematical series of numbers and measurements ensure the proper proportions of roof and ceiling heights as well as the proper size of rooms.

This classical building designed by Andrea Palladio shows the Renaissance Theory of proper height and with of facade to roof and in relation to the width of the entire space.

THE MODULOR

This play on the Golden Section was the invention of famed architect le Corbusier and uses a series of measurements to ensure proper human scale anywhere.

This apartment block designed by le Corbusier is made up of hundreds of small spaces being used as apartments.

THE "KEN"

This is a Japanese architectural unit of measure that was originally based on the Japanese mat and was standardized  for residential architecture by the Japanese during Japan's Middle Ages.

ANTHROPOMORPHIC

This is the study of the human form in its relation to it surroundings. This is used in the built environment to insure proper space for movement and performance of common human functions, such as sitting.

This shows how everything in this desk is in comfortable reach of where the user would sit. These measurements and space planning would have been based on anthropometric studies.

SCALE

This is how small or large something appears compared to its normal size or in the context of its environment.

 

This visual shows the scale of the oversized portrait in relation to the size of the normal dining chair.