Architecture as composition
Introduction
Proportion is a central principle of architectural theory and an important connection between mathematics and art. It is the visual effect of the relationships of the various objects and spaces that make up a structure with each other and with the entire complex. These relationships are often governed by multiples of a standard unit of length known as a "module".[1].
Proportion in architecture was discussed by prominent architects of all eras, such as Vitruvius, Leon Battista Alberti, Andrea Palladio and Le Corbusier among others.
Roman architecture
Vitruvius
Architecture in Roman antiquity was rarely documented, with the notable exception of the 'treatise' De architectura written by Vitruvius, who trained as an engineer in Julius Caesar's legions during the early Gaul Wars (58-50 BC). The treatise was dedicated to Emperor Augustus. When Vitruvius defined the fundamental concepts in the first chapters of the treatise, he mentioned that the three basic requirements of architecture are firmness (firmitas), usefulness (utilitas) and beauty (venustas), which require that architects be equipped with a varied type of learning and knowledge from many branches. Furthermore, he identified the "Six Principles of Design" as order (ordinatio), arrangement (dispositio), proportion (eurythmia), symmetry (symmetria), property (decor), and economy (distributio). Among the six principles, proportion interrelates and supports all other factors through geometric shapes and arithmetic proportions.[2].
The word "symmetry", usually translated literally as "symmetry" in modern versions, in ancient times meant something more related to "mathematical harmony"[3] and to the modularity of proportions. Vitruvius attempted to describe his theory on the composition of the human body, which he referred to as the perfect or golden proportion. The principles of the measurement units of fingers, feet and elbows also come from the dimensions of the Vitruvian Man. More specifically, Vitruvius used a person's total height of 6 feet, with each body part taking a different proportion. For example, the face measures approximately 1/10 of the total height and the head measures approximately 1/8 of the total height.[3] Vitruvius used these proportions to demonstrate that the composition of the classical orders imitated the human body, thus ensuring aesthetic harmonization when perceiving the shape of architecturally designed columns.[2].