Scale and proportions are undeniably essential parts of architecture. Architects have always used such a wide range of different scales and proportions, from the enormous, monumental palaces and cathedrals to the tiny, cramped huts and apartments. But as in everything in architecture, great thought goes behind scale and proportion.
In Experiencing Architecture, Rasmuseen makes a thorough analysis of scales and proportions used in architecture throughout history. Here he makes an evaluation on the belief that architecture and music are deeply related, as they are constructed upon mathematical ratios. Generally I too believe the same thing, because in a sense we experience both similarly. We call music, sounds that have periodic regular vibrations and we call good architecture, designs that are governed by an order, either prominent or hidden. In the same way, sounds become unpleasant noises when they are irregular, while architecture seems tasteless, problematic and confusing when there's no order and balance.
Rasmuseen states that we are not able to perceive mathematical ratios in architecture as evidently as we do in music. This is true to a certain extent, however architecture makes us feel. What in music we hear, in architecture we experience. Therefore, I believe that even unintentionally we are able to perceive all mathematical proportions used in architecture whether they are "holy", "golden" or maybe strange and awkward. We feel whether these ratios are good or not, by judging them visually or evaluating their functionality.
What seemed really interesting to me in the passage, was "Le Modular". Of course, I have always acknowledged how everything around me seems to fit just right, and how everything we use as humans is designed to fit our needs. However, I was surprised at how exactly Le Corbusier came up with this universal unit. Even though he could have used only a simple sample of a human body, he created the Modular by sectioning the human body in the golden section ratio. What seemed fascinating to me, was that even things like chairs, door handles and all these items that seem coincidental are placed at the ideal height, based on ideal measurements.
Yet again, this passage made me look at all things that surround me differently. It baffles me that even when architecture seems so effortless and uncomplicated, it is yet so sublime and detailed.
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