Proportion
The English author Henry Wotton translated ‘de Architectura’, which was written by Roman architect Vitruvius in 1624, and interpreted Vitruvius’ three conditions of a good building to be strength, usefulness (function) and beauty (form).
Remember Form ALWAYS follow Function. Proportion plays an important role in all three, as it provides guidelines for laying out useful spaces, for designing structural systems, and for creating an aesthetically pleasing environment. The proportions of a space can also dramatically change how visitors feel in it, and the proportions of a buildings façade can affect whether a building appears welcoming threatening, or impressive. Your response to architecture depends heavily on the impression and the experience you have when walking into and around a space. An important thing to remember when creating such effects is proportion. The impression created by a narrow hallway is different from the impression of a cube-shaped room. Similarly, a space that is vast, but with low headspace, gives an entirely different impression from a space that, though small, has a high ceiling. These are all variations on the same space but one's experiences change according to it's proportions. |
Fibonacci spiral
Golden Section
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Examples:
Architectural Facades
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Task 3:
Using two of the above buildings facades, identify and compare their proportions and discuss how this effects the impression of the building to the viewer. Demonstrate your understanding of proportion in Architecture by using the reduction and addition method. If required you can also use the Fibonacci spiral or the Golden Section to demonstrate your understanding.
Sou Fujimoto (2010) House of Na Façade Reduction/Addition
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Uqba ibn Nafi (670 AD) Great Mosque of Kairouan Façade Reduction/Addition
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Reduction/Addition Comparison
The House of Na, designed by Sou Fujimoto Architects in 2010, is a 592 sqm. house designed for young couple in Tokyo Japan that responds to the cities dense urban environment with proportions that are varied. These varied proportions reflect the varied functions of the design creating both single, intimate rooms and larger, communal rooms. They include large rooms with high ceilings, small rooms with high ceilings and small rooms with low ceilings. This contrast in proportions not only dictates how the house is used, but also creates a visually interesting space.
In comparison the proportions of the Great Mosque of Kairouan are immense and deliberately awe-inspiring. The mosque itself is 9,000 sqm. with the porch alone being seven metres high, designed to dwarf all pilgrims. The intention of the architect here is in celebrating God and creating a form that, according to French historian Paul Sebag, has " a powerful air of majesty ".
In comparison the proportions of the Great Mosque of Kairouan are immense and deliberately awe-inspiring. The mosque itself is 9,000 sqm. with the porch alone being seven metres high, designed to dwarf all pilgrims. The intention of the architect here is in celebrating God and creating a form that, according to French historian Paul Sebag, has " a powerful air of majesty ".