morf2 | proporción

Understanding Proportion in Architecture

Introduction to Proportion

• Architect Rafael Gore introduces the topic of proportion in architecture, focusing on both volumes and spaces.

• Emphasizes that architecture is a complex system influenced by tangible and intangible contexts, with people as central figures in this process.

Dimensions Involved in Architectural Design

• Discusses the various dimensions involved in transitioning from ideas to forms: perceptual, material, and geometric.

• Highlights how different historical or geographical contexts influence architectural expression through color, texture, space development, and scale.

Defining Proportion

• Defines proportion as the relationship of magnitude between parts of a figure or volume; it can be applied to both three-dimensional and two-dimensional elements.

• Explains that for three-dimensional objects like prisms, length, width, and height are considered; for two-dimensional shapes like rectangles, only length and width matter.

Expressing Proportions

• Describes how proportions are generally expressed as quotients of integers (e.g., 1:1 for squares).

• Provides examples of standard photo formats (1:1, 4:3, 16:9), illustrating how these ratios relate to length and width measurements.

Verifying Proportions

• Discusses methods to verify if two rectangles have the same proportions by checking if their length-to-width ratios yield equivalent results.

• Introduces geometric verification through visual comparison of diagonals' parallelism or perpendicularity among rectangles.

Special Rectangles and Their Properties

• Notes that while most proportions can be expressed with integers, some special rectangles result in irrational numbers (e.g., golden rectangle).

• Mentions the "root 2" rectangle derived from dividing a square's diagonal; emphasizes its unique property where halving maintains proportionality.

Practical Applications of Proportions

• Uses A-series paper sizes (like A4 being root 2 proportionate), explaining how this consistency allows for easy resizing while maintaining design integrity.

Establishing Visual Order and Proportionality in Art and Architecture

The Role of Proportionality

• Establishing a visual order through repetition of proportional relationships is crucial for coordinating modular measures in construction. This concept is well-documented in essential bibliographic materials that complement the video content.

Expressive Use of Disproportion

• Many artists utilize disproportion as an expressive resource, altering real proportions to create deformation. Modigliani's approach exemplifies this, prioritizing visual balance over realistic human representation.

Architectural Proportions and Stability

• Colombian artist Fernando Botero emphasizes volume in his style, while architectural choices can be influenced by external conditions, such as narrow lots affecting design decisions.

Tensions in Form and Movement

• When no dimension dominates, forms appear stable; however, when one dimension prevails, it creates tensions perceived as movements without actual locomotion. These tensions invite viewers to explore lines and spaces dynamically.

Balancing Verticality and Horizontal Elements

• In architectural models, proportions can highlight horizontal or vertical dominance. Oblique directions introduce additional perceptual tension against expected norms, allowing for various combinations of vertical and horizontal elements.

Exploring Architectural Examples

Contrasting Tensions in Design

• An architect may create opposing tensions between strong vertical references and near-horizontal volumes. For instance, elongated upper volumes can be emphasized through shadow play on lower levels.

Materiality Influencing Perception

• In some designs, the decomposition of volume enhances the prominence of geometric shapes like squares. Unusual materials contribute to surprising perceptions of familiar forms.

Limits of Deformation

• The extent of deformation is often determined by material resistance; Wright’s "Fallingwater" exemplifies extreme cantilevers that challenged construction norms at the time.

Understanding Space Through Proportions

Defining Spaces: Channels vs. Enclosures

• Space interpretation involves perceiving limits alongside geometry and dimensions. Proportions significantly influence whether a space functions as a channel or an enclosure.

Characteristics of Channel Spaces

• A channel space is characterized by a predominance of length over width with lateral closures and openings at both ends—examples include hallways or city streets that encourage longitudinal movement.

Examples of Channel Spaces

• Various examples illustrate channel spaces with different material resolutions; for instance, a young house features partially permeable brickwork creating light textures along access routes.

Enclosure Spaces: Interior Dynamics

Features of Enclosure Spaces

• Enclosure spaces are defined by simple geometric figures with strong interior sensations due to well-defined limits. They promote stasis rather than movement among occupants.

Case Study: Casa Balancín

Exploring Architectural Space and Proportions

Unusual Design Elements

• The house features a suspended section with an unusual detail of a partially transparent base plan, highlighting innovative architectural design.

Variety in Spatial Proportions

• There is significant variability in the proportions of channels and spaces within buildings, emphasizing that the primary limit is maintaining usability for intended functions. This complexity increases in buildings with diverse and flexible uses.

Multi-functional Spaces

• In the Birla Cultural Center, a space can serve dual purposes: as a channel connecting activities or as an exhibition area. Its proportions are intermediate between a channel and an enclosed space.

Articulation of Spaces

• The use of horizontal planes, like mezzanines, effectively connects three strongly linked spaces: a double-height living area, kitchen-dining on the ground floor, and an upper bedroom.

Modifications by Structural Elements

• The horizontal plane of the garage roof alters spatial boundaries, creating three new areas with distinct proportions—two open outdoor spaces and one transitional area linking them.

Equipment Integration Impacting Space

• A rectangular proportion near 1:5 defines a space as a channel; however, added equipment aligns with its longitudinal tension while transforming it into a multi-use area for gatherings.

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