The golden section creates an ideal proportion between two objects or two parts of a whole. In the photo below, the smaller arches are exactly 1/2 of the larger, interlocking arches.
The Orders:
The basis of Greek and Roman architectural dimension was the diameter of the column. All measurement of the design went back to the column diameter of the project, including the spaces between these columns. Since buildings were different sizes, there was no fixed unit of measurement. The parts of each building were proportionate according to the column. The Temple of Zeus in Athens, Greece was built with large Corinthian Columns. Originally, there were 104 columns. There are only 15 still standing with their capitals still in place. A sixteenth column is lying on the ground where it fell during the 19 century. Each column is 17 meters high. There were once 48 columns in triple rows under the pediments and 56 in double rows at the sides. This temple, as it now stands, is pictured below.
Renaissance Theories:
Architects during the Renaissance thought it important to relate to a higher order. They used the Greek mathematical system of proportions in their building projects. They believed that Architecture was made up of mathematical units turned into spacial units. The intervals of the musical scale, for instance, was used to make up geometrical compositions.
The Modular:
The Modular is all about functionality for humans. This proportioning system uses both mathematics and human body proportions to get the perfect balance in design. In this example, much of the furniture is built-in and appropriately proportioned for the human body according to Le Corbusier's modulor method. All spaces within this space are correct and balanced proportionately.
The "Ken"
Originally, the ken was used to designate spaces between two columns and varied in size. It quickly became a standard measurement for residential architecture in Japan. The ken became an aesthetic tool to create buildings, order materials, and structure space in Japan. The typical Japanese home is built on multiples of the ken.
Anthropomorphic:
These proportions are totally about functionality for the human body. The challenge here is that each human being is different. There are gender/size issues as well as age and race issues in anthropomorphic measuring. Sitting, reaching, and standing are some of the considerations in the anthropomorphic details of a building. The correct amount of space around the human body as it performs everyday tasks is an extremely important factor in interior design. Anthropometry helps us with this.
These proportions are totally about functionality for the human body. The challenge here is that each human being is different. There are gender/size issues as well as age and race issues in anthropomorphic measuring. Sitting, reaching, and standing are some of the considerations in the anthropomorphic details of a building. The correct amount of space around the human body as it performs everyday tasks is an extremely important factor in interior design. Anthropometry helps us with this.
Scale:
Scale is a matter of comparison. We cannot fit the actual square footage of a house plan on a piece of normal-sized paper. We must use mechanical scale and note the proportion scale comparison. We sometimes use visual scale when we compare elements on a building like windows, pediments or columns. In the room pictured below, we can say that the overhead beams seem a bit large-scale compared with the fireplace and mantle. You would expect the fireplace to be massive with the heavy beams you see in the ceiling detail.
