Event

Theory of Proportion Workshop

This class provides an overview of the concept of proportion as a design tool in traditional architecture, presented in the form of lectures and demonstrations. The content includes an explanation of the concept of symbolic or qualitative number; an introduction to Pythagorean and Platonic numerical philosophy; the relation of number to beauty; the derivation of the ancient musical octave; a discussion of the Golden Section, its mathematics, geometry, relation to philosophy, and particularly its role as a geometrical logos; and the connection of such proportional ideas to the numerical-geometrical canons of classical architecture. These proportional ideas are applied to historical archetypes, such as the four-column portico through demonstrations using arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic ratio methods. The course may be taken as an introduction to these ideas or as a review for those who have some background with the subject.

Required Materials: Pencils or graphic markers, a compass, straightedge, and paper, either loose or in a notebook, 9" x 12" or larger. Students may use wet media, pen, and wash, if they wish. Materials are available for loan upon request.

What You Will Learn
Understand number in a symbolic rather than mathematical sense and how this connects aesthetics to aspects of ancient philosophy
Understand the use of rational ratios composed of whole numbers, and transcendental ratios such as the Golden Section which are not composed of whole numbers, in architectural composition
Use geometric, arithmetic, and harmonic methods of application of proportion for architectural composition
Use proportional methods for analysis of historical design examples