The Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio
I’m sure I will not be the only person that is choosing to talk about the Golden Ratio for this assignment. When talking about mathematics in architecture, this Golden Ratio or also known as the “divine proportion� almost always is the topic of discussion. Well, it’s kind of hard to miss; it’s everywhere. I’ve been hearing about this golden mean since about 6th grade…thank you Donald Duck and Mathmagic Land… and I continue to hear about it even today. So let’s continue to take a closer look at the Golden Ratio and its presence within architecture and the environment.
DEFINITION:
The Golden Ratio is a number often encountered when taking the ratios of distances. It is denoted otherwise known as “phi.� That ratio is: 1.61803399
Definition taken from >http://mathworld.wolfram.com/GoldenRatio.html<
Before taking a look at the golden mean in architecture, let’s observe its existence in the natural world. The presence of the Golden Ratio can be observed in nature, humans, the universe, etc. long before art and architecture. I’m not trying to preach to anyone; however, when the natural world seems to be so carefully constructed, it’s hard for me to take on the position that some higher being was not responsible for the creation of the world. Here are some examples:
In Humans
In Nature
In the Universe
Amazing isn't it how prevelant this Golden Ratio is in the natural world? Well, human civilization eventually caught wind of this beauty building ratio and began applying it in the designed world. Now let's take a look at how this ratio is used in architecture.
Pyramids of Egypt
The columns of the Parthenon in Greece
The Louvre in France
Winding staircase
So next time you take a step outside, try and see if you can locate this incredible Golden Ratio because, like I said before, it is EVERYWHERE.