An exploration in proportional theory within the realm of order

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Authors
Kerwin, Thomas P.
Advisor
Meyer, Bruce F. (Bruce Frederick), 1946-
Issue Date
1986
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B. Arch.)
Department
College of Architecture and Planning
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Proportions which delight the eye can in fact be learned through analysis and application to design problems and should not be approached in a purely intuitive manner. It is this fact that intrigued me about the book Dynamic Symmetry A Primer written by Christine Herter. This book documents the work and basic concepts of Jay Hambidge, an artist who is said to have rediscovered the system of proportion employed by the Greeks in their architecture.It is agreed that the Greeks were an advanced culture who were highly knowledgeable in areas of science, philosophy, and the arts. The Greeks being also a highly literate people used the written word to document their theories and ideals, however for some unknown reason they chose not to express in writing their theories in the one area which is of most interest to those of use who study and practice architecture. The Greeks are acknowledged to have become masters of the art of building, and the Parthenon is viewed by many to be the greatest achievement in the history of architecture.At the core of any successful theory of architecture throughout history is a theory of proportion. And if we agree that the Greeks were in fact masters, how exciting it is to think that we may learn about the techniques they employed and perhaps apply them in our architecture. This is what intrigued me about the work of Jay Hambidge who spent much of his life analyzing Greek architecture and artifacts. In his work he puts forth a series of concrete geometrical relationships which the Greeks used to determine the shapes and sizes of objects. I found it interesting that relationships which are known to please the eye could be approached analytically, and that the process of creating desired relationships did not have to be purely intuitive. I was excited to learn that perhaps I could employ those relationships in my own design process, and that I could eliminate the haphazard trial and error method of creating pieces which are complementary to each other and to a whole.Correct proportion is in fact essential to a successful work of architecture, however it is something that is dealt with in later stages of the design process. It is an element of refinement, whereas other factors determine the overall organization and composition of a building. At this broader level is where the notions of order begin to come into play and continue through a successful work. I am concerned as well with this realm of order and its ability to hold together a piece of architecture or to destroy it. I am particularly intrigued by the notion of collisions and the visual articulation and complexity they can create.It was with these precepts that I looked to a project that would al low a level of freedom so that I could explore these areas. An interest in water edge architecture combined with these issues is what led me to choose a sailing club as an architectural project through which I could pursue my interests of study.It is with this preface that I present my positions and their application to the Prairie Creek Sailing Club.