Golden Strands
The Golden Section is not the Golden Strand….
Architects often talk about the importance of The Golden Section in our work… as if it is the Golden Strand.
It is not.
You may recall seeing in a cartoon, a scenario where a mouse or a cat holds on to one string dangling from a sweater worn by another character. As the cartoon character wearing the sweater runs away, the whole sweater unravels from its body. It’s funny to watch this as a kid but as grown ups we know better. We tried but quickly found out that pulling the one loose string of someone’s sweater will not unravel the whole sweater.
Strings of information form a concept. To fully understand a concept, you have to follow the idea back through verifiable points of research - maybe adding on to it yourself as you go.
Understanding the built environment (or any other field or concept really) is as simple as looking at the field through the analogy of looming or weaving. In time, layers of information come together, building upon one another like a tapestry. Yes, there are threads within that are far more critical than others, without which what you see and understand would not at all be the same. In any event, each little thread adds up to hold it all together, forming a clear picture.
The Golden Section along with other concepts in geometry and of beauty in design are important but to say that this is all there is to know, as if it is the most critical strand of knowledge to have would be simplifying something that is far more complicated.
NOTE:
For more information on perception, physiology/health and design - check out the article “Corridors of the Mind” from The Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA).
Here is a brief excerpt from this article below:
“…in designing hospitals, schools, and homes for people with all manner of disabilities, (we could) create places that would support the development of premature babies, the treatment of children with autism, the fostering of learning abilities of students…. imagine an Alzheimer’s facility that could help its residents remember who they are.”
The full article is posted here: http://www.psmag.com/culture/corridors-of-the-mind-49051/ Compelling evidence for more research and thought on the designer’s end regarding health and designs impact on physiology.
____________________________
02/2013
Commonwealth Design and Accessibility Partnership
occoquan ~ richmond ~ williamsburg ~ tidewater
www.CDAPTidewater.com
CDAPTidewater@gmail.com
(804) 525-8450
Architects often talk about the importance of The Golden Section in our work… as if it is the Golden Strand.
It is not.
You may recall seeing in a cartoon, a scenario where a mouse or a cat holds on to one string dangling from a sweater worn by another character. As the cartoon character wearing the sweater runs away, the whole sweater unravels from its body. It’s funny to watch this as a kid but as grown ups we know better. We tried but quickly found out that pulling the one loose string of someone’s sweater will not unravel the whole sweater.
Strings of information form a concept. To fully understand a concept, you have to follow the idea back through verifiable points of research - maybe adding on to it yourself as you go.
Understanding the built environment (or any other field or concept really) is as simple as looking at the field through the analogy of looming or weaving. In time, layers of information come together, building upon one another like a tapestry. Yes, there are threads within that are far more critical than others, without which what you see and understand would not at all be the same. In any event, each little thread adds up to hold it all together, forming a clear picture.
The Golden Section along with other concepts in geometry and of beauty in design are important but to say that this is all there is to know, as if it is the most critical strand of knowledge to have would be simplifying something that is far more complicated.
NOTE:
For more information on perception, physiology/health and design - check out the article “Corridors of the Mind” from The Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA).
Here is a brief excerpt from this article below:
“…in designing hospitals, schools, and homes for people with all manner of disabilities, (we could) create places that would support the development of premature babies, the treatment of children with autism, the fostering of learning abilities of students…. imagine an Alzheimer’s facility that could help its residents remember who they are.”
The full article is posted here: http://www.psmag.com/culture/corridors-of-the-mind-49051/ Compelling evidence for more research and thought on the designer’s end regarding health and designs impact on physiology.
____________________________
02/2013
Commonwealth Design and Accessibility Partnership
occoquan ~ richmond ~ williamsburg ~ tidewater
www.CDAPTidewater.com
CDAPTidewater@gmail.com
(804) 525-8450
If you are having trouble understanding this post - you should just drop by an Elementary or Middle School. Kids often have an innate understanding of architecture and design's role in their communities. They can explain why a diverse, safe, healthy community is critical to their individual futures and they understand that the quality of the buildings around them are linked to their own health. Above, students from the Bronx show off their visions of sustainable architecture (2009). Full article @ http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/highbridge-school-green-possible-platinum-green-article-1.375330
The geometry of a rose may draw you in but there are other qualities working to engage your senses. And, lets face it there are people out there who just do not like roses. Even if your brain is naturally impressed by this flower's geometry, personal taste based on other physical qualities can beat its math.
Q