The Golden Ratio

The golden ratio is a mathematical measurement that has been used for centuries in the arts and science. It is found everywhere in the natural world and is said to be the most pleasing to the human eye.

Geometric Measurements(1)

From these measurements a geometric figure that can be formed is the golden rectangle.

The Golden Rectangle(@)

A further geometric figure that can develop from the golden rectangle is the whirling rectangle. This rectangle has a logarithmic spiral within it having the centre point converging on the intersecting point of the crossing lines. These crossing lines produce the measurements for the golden ratio.

Measurements for the Golden Ratio(3)

While looking at both the Plan of St.Gall and Le Corbusier's Le Cabanon the use of the golden ratio is evident. Historically the golden ratio was used in architecture because it was seen as measurements that held divine meaning in proportions. The ratio connects to many elements found in the natural world and to the beings that created the world.

The Plan of St. Gall uses these proportions to proportion the elements of the benedictine order into an architectural form. It creates a connection to divine form and order that would be the internal form of stability within the community.

As for Le Corbusier's Le Cabanon he used the same geometrical proportions to explain his building. Demonstrating the connection to the natural environment and his proportational understanding of space within a structure.

-Stefan Berry

Image Sources:

1. Freitag, Mark. "Phi:That Golden Number." http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/EMT669/Student.Folders/Frietag.Mark/Homepage/Goldenratio/goldenratio.html (accessed Jan 18, 2010).

2. Ibid

3. Ibid

Information Sources:

Freitag, Mark. "Phi: That Golden Number." http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/EMT669/Student.Folders/Frietag.Mark/Homepage/Goldenratio/goldenratio.html (accessed January 15th, 2010).