Space_and_Scale

 

**SPACE** Is what architecture is all about. The architect's job can be simply stated as the manipulation of the forms, patterns, and textures of space. His or her ability is judged by how effective the available space is molded and structured

**SCALE** Is the size relationship of two things or parts to the whole. There are 2 basic measuring tools. One is based on our experience with typical objects, such as bricks, rocks, doors, windows. The other is the human body itself. We then compare the typical objects to the human scale.



HUMAN SCALE



Scale is size in relation to ourselves and the world around us. Human scale is that scale that feels comfortable to man. We naturally measure things against ourselves. That is why we have measure things by the foot. It was a natural scale that we always carried with us, but there are other scales to consider. In architecture we deal primarily in 4 scales:
 * Human scale
 * Intimate scale
 * Monumental Scale
 * Shock Scale



The man-sized scale is what we are used to. Our houses are typically built to this natural scale. A man feels comfortable walking through our doorways. The ceiling neither bumps his head, nor is lost in the shadows.





<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Human scale is the set of physical qualities, and quantities of information, characterizing the human body, its motor, sensory, or mental capabilities, and human social institutions.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">In architecture humans interact with their environments based on their physical dimensions, capabilities and limits. The field of anthropometrics (human measurement) has unanswered questions, but it's still true that human physical characteristics are fairly predictable and objectively measurable. Buildings scaled to human physical capabilities have steps, doorways, railings, work surfaces, seating, shelves, fixtures, walking distances, and other features that fit well to the average person.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Humans also interact with their environments based on their sensory capabilities. So human scale in architecture can also describe buildings with sightlines, acoustic properties, task lighting, ambient lighting, and spatial grammar that fit well with human senses. However, one important caveat is that human perceptions are always going to be less predictable and less measurable than physical dimensions.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">The understanding of scale in the course of design is probably not going to make the difference between ugly and beautiful, but it may make the difference between comforting and intimidating, and that can make a difference in how to enjoy spaces.

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