Chapter 6: Proportion and Scale

Golden Section

 The ratio between two sections of a line, or the two dimensions of a plane figure, 
where the lesser of the two is to the greater as the greater is to the sum of both. (a/b)=(b/a+b)

 This seashell demonstrates the Golden Spiral, where the 
distance of each loop of the spiral are spaced proportionally.

The Orders

Greek and Roman columns were based on the diameter of the column, & from there 
they determined the shaft, capital, pedestal, small details, & spacing of the columns.

The Tuscan columns on this home are seven diameters tall with half diameter 
on the top and bottom. They are spaced six diameters apart.

Renaissance Theories
Andrea Palladio wrote books on architecture which outlined the seven 
"most beautiful and proportionable manners of rooms."
A circle-shaped room, like the one shown below, is one of the seven pegged by Palladio.

The Modulor
Le Corbusier developed a system of proportions based on mathematics 
and the human body. The basis is a grid divided into 43, 70, and 113cm.
This building uses the modulor proportions and grids for the windows as well as 
the design on the side of the building. It is a simple but clear example.

The "Ken"
Japanese homes are ordered by the "ken" grid, made up of rectangular mats.
The home plan shown below features a 12-mat room in the center.

Anthropomorphic
Anthropometry is defined as the scientific study of the measurements 
and proportions of the human body. Furniture and spaces in which 
humans interact are designed based on these measurements.
This picture demonstrates the necessary length of the seat of a chair based on 
the average length of the seat area and thigh of a normal-sized adult human.

Scale

The size of one object compared to the size of something else, according to the eye. 

It is simply a visual comparison, not using mathematics.

This massive church building looks even bigger by comparison next to the 

ticket booth, cars, and people pictured here.

 

Chapter 5: Circulation

Circulation: moving through a space. 

Building Approach

The approach is the time before one actually enters the building,
when he or she is preparing to see, experience, and use the space.
This beautiful tree-lined driveway makes for a very pleasant approach to the house 
beyond it. The lane leads right up to the house, giving the person approaching a good
view of the building they are about to enter.

Building Entrances

To go inside a building, one must first penetrate the planar surface
that separates that space from the exterior.
The person entering this house would first step onto the front porch through
the columns, which could technically count as an entrance itself. The
black front door would be the second entrance into the actual house.

Configuration of the Path

A starting point followed by a sequence of spaces leading to the destination.
This mountain residential area is set up in a spiral path. It winds down, wrapping around the mountain in a spiral pattern. That is the easiest way to get down a mountain without going strait down the steep hill.

Path-Space Relationships

Spaces relate to the path as something that is passed by,
something that is passed through, or something that terminates the path. 
This linear path is an example of spaces that are passed through on the way to a destination.
The columns show a sort of hallway, but separate spaces are created and used as part of the path.

Form of the Circulation Space

Circulation spaces take up a large part of the building and have to accommodate a maximum amount of people as they move about the space.
The columns on one side of this hallway form a balcony or gallery, opening up the space visually.

Chapter 4: Organization

Spatial Relationships: 

Space Within a Space

When a space is completely contained within the volume of a larger space.
This Cinderella carriage standing in the middle of this bedroom creates a separate space within the room. It makes the bed inside into it's own area for sleeping, keeping it semi-private from the rest of the room.

 

Adjacent Spaces

Two spaces right next to each other with space in between or sharing a border.
This living room and dining room are adjacent or next to each other. They are divided by a partial wall that forms a border between them.

Spaces Linked by a Common Space:

Two separate spaces connected by a a third middle space.
The bathroom shared between these two bedrooms is the common space that links them together. They are separate private spaces sharing a third space in the middle.

Spatial Organizations:

Centralized Organization

Dominant space surrounded by a number of secondary spaces.
On this old southern plantation, all of the outbuildings are centered around the main large house. Barns, living quarters, storage, and other things were all kept in separate buildings.

Linear Organization

Spaces repeating in a line formation.
These horse stalls are set up one after another in a long line down the side of the barn. This is the easiest way to make use of space and keep the horses organized and in their place.