Selected Bibliography Architecture - Form Space and Order | Page 316

P ROP ORT I ON I N G S Y S T E M S
Theories of Proportion:

Proportioning systems go beyond the functional and technical
determinants of architectural form and space to provide an
aesthetic rationale for their dimensions. They can visually unify
the multiplicity of elements in an architectural design by having
all of its parts belong to the same family of proportions. They
can provide a sense of order in, and heighten the continuity of, a
sequence of spaces. They can establish relationships between the
exterior and interior elements of a building.

•
•

Classical Orders

•

Renaissance Theories

•

Modulor

•

Ken

•

A number of theories of “desirable” proportions have been
developed in the course of history. The notion of devising a
system for design and communicating its means is common to all
periods. Although the actual system varies from time to time, the
principles involved and their value to the designer remain the same.

Golden Section

Anthropometry

• Scale

A fixed proportion used in determining
measurements and dimensions

1

1

√2

√3

√4 √5

Types of Proportion:
Arithmetic

c–b
c
=
b–a
c

(e.g., 1, 2, 3)

Geometric

c–b
c
=
b–a
b

(e.g., 1, 2, 4)

Harmonic

c–b
c
=
b–a
a

(e.g., 2, 3, 6)

a
c
b

a

b

c

P ROP ORTION & SCALE / 3 0 1