The Islamic University of Gaza

Faculty of Engineering
Department of Architectural Engineering

EARC 2314 Visual Training

Project 1: Understanding Proportions

Palm and finger measures.

Overview:
Our perception of the physical dimensions of architecture, of proportion and scale, is imprecise. It is distorted by the
foreshortening of perspective and distance, and by cultural biases, and is thus difficult to control and predict in an
objective and precise manner.
Small or slight differences in the dimensions of a form are especially difficult to discern. While a square, by definition,
has four equal sides and four right angles, a rectangle can appear to be exactly square, almost a square, or very much
unlike a square. It can appear to be long, short, stubby, or squat, depending on our point of view. We use these terms to
give a form or figure a visual quality that is largely a result of how we perceive its proportions. It is not, however, an
exact science.

Learning Objectives:
- Understand the human scale and the natural proportioning system.
- Apply a staged technique of form generation to achieve unpredictable forms.
- Apply multiple form and space generation techniques on a single project.
- Encourage working with different modeling materials.
- Improve drawing and model making skills.

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Assignment: Understanding Proportions
Step 1. Trace your hand on 30x50cm paper sheet and write next to it, the following dimensions: AB, BC, CD, DF.
Multiply the numbers by 2, then round the reults to the nearest 5mm.
Step 2. Use the rounded number to create 4 sizes of the same primary solid, build molds to cast true scale physical
models for them using cement, gypsum, or hot glue.
Step 3. Apply addition to create a multilevel formal composition that consist of (8-16) adjacent primary forms, using
the 4 sizes in a linear, grid, central, or radial method of organization. Build a true scale physical model using
wood or card board.
Step 4. Apply subtraction to the forms of the composition to create spaces inside and between the forms. Draw a plan
sketch and build a true scale physical model using card board.
Step 5. Apply openings to the resulting spaces to create accessibility between them and various degree of enclosure.
Draw a plan sketch and build a true scale physical model using card board.
Step 6. Use wood or card board vertical supports to create repetitions, rhythms, and various degree of transparency.
Schedule: Week 1 10%
Step 1, 2
Week 2 10%
Step 3
Week 3 10%
Step 4
Week 4 10%
Step 5
Week 5 60%
Step 6
including Plans, 1 section, 1 elevation, cutaway isometric, perspectives

Submit photographs of your mid work and final work on Moodle by the dates assigned by your instructor.

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