Proportion & Scale

Proportion is defined as a harmonious relation of parts (elements) to each other creating a unified whole, while scale is a comparison of size between two separate objects. Theories of Proportion have been developed throughout history, and will be explained to you by yours truly:

Golden Section

This mathematical system of proportion begins by  involving a line divided into two segments or two dimensions (the length and width) of a plane, and their sum in which the ratio of the whole to the larger part is the same as the ratio of the larger part to the smaller.  

The Taj Mahal

The Orders

The Greeks and Romans developed the Orders of classical architecture. The Order refers to  a column (which is divided into three parts : a shaft, its base and its capital) and the entablature (consisting of architrave, frieze and cornice). There are 5 orders, each distinguished by its proportions of the three elements, and its characteristic profiles and details. This is  a system of proportions to create a sense of harmony and beauty within the design of the building. 

The orders have been used  for centuries and is still used to today, such as in the Supreme Court building.

Supreme Court

Renaissance Theories

The Greeks believed there is a  close relationship between the  musical methods of composition and geometry. Later on, from this idea, the architects of the Renaissance thought architecture was mathematics translated in to spatial units, forming the basis for the proportions in their architecture. 

With this analysis a mathematically absolute ideal of beauty would emerge. Andrea Palladio was an architect who produced proportional systems for classically-based architecture. This is a floor plan of the Villa Carpa.

Villa Carpa Plan

The Modular

Modular was never as popular and widely accepted, like the other theories. Le Corbusier developed this proportioning system and described it as a "range of harmonious measurements to suit the human scale, universally applicable to architecture and to mechanical things." It was based on the proportions of the human body, the golden section, and the Fibonacci series, creating the Modular measuring tool. 

Unite d' Habitation de Briey-la-Foreit

This is an example of the floor plan with Modular scale models.

The "Ken"

This Japanese unit of measure, which is standardized for residential architecture, was introduced in the last half of the Japanese Middle Ages. The Ken is an absolute measurement based on the size of a floor mat.

Anthropomorphic

This refers to the measurement of the human body in relation to its surroundings. In the built environment, these dimensions are used for the purposes of  product optimization and to insure proper movement and function, but human physical variation is a problem. 

 

These images show how anthropomorphic proportions and ergonomic design are based on the user's body, determining the form's  measurements  and the space planning surrounding the product.

Scale

Scale is a comparison of size between two separate objects, or a fixed proportion used in determining measurements and dimensions. These images illustrate the definition by having an over-sized mirror compared to the couch.