Scale is size in relation to ourselves and the world around us. Human scale is that scale that feels comfortable to us. We naturally measure things against ourselves. That is why we have measure things by the foot. It was a natural scale that we always carried with us, but there are other scales to consider.
In architecture we deal primarily in 4 scales:
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Human Scale
The human scale is what we are used to. Our houses are typically built to this natural scale. We should feel comfortable walking through our doorways. The ceiling neither bumps our heads, nor is lost in the shadows.
Monumental Scale
Monumental scale is impressive. Our public buildings are monumental. This is a statement of hierarchy, highlighting their importance in our society. Those institutions represented by those buildings are bigger than us and we should stand in awe of them.
Intimate Scale
Intimate sizes are smaller than what is normal. These don’t shock you, but they are smaller than what we expect, being cocoon like.
Shock Scale
Shock scale can be either smaller or larger, but it is so out of the ordinary that it jolts us. You sometimes see it in art, and in architecture that strives to shock, but it is a rare thing in residential architecture.
Architectural Photos and Elevations
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Task 4
Using two of the above buildings profile photos or elevation plans, from two different categories, identify and compare their scale to the human form and discuss how this effects the impression of the building to the viewer. Demonstrate your understanding of scale in Architecture by using the reduction and addition method. Use the Human Silhouette to demonstrate your understanding.
The different scale of these two buildings could not be more dramatic. Standing at approx. 180 metres, Foster's 'St Mary Axe St.' is a monolith, designed to impress and be a landmark in a city of landmarks, London.
The 'Watershed House' however, designed for one person by FLOAT architects, is the complete opposite. It's scale is designed to disappear into the woods in which it was built. |
Foster (2004) 30 St Mary Axe and FLOAT (2011) The Watershed House
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