08 | Scale

26 Principles of Design

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Scale is how big or small something appears in relation to another object. While size is an object’s actual dimensions, scale is relative to its context. The body is a great determinant of scale through physical engagement and perception. Because architecture is meant to be inhabited by people, the scale of buildings, especially domestic spaces, are largely determined by the scale and proportion of the human body. However, holistically, the scale of a building exists on multiple levels and is influenced by multiple factors. The scale of a building is informed by the scale of the context of its location (the buildings and/or other features around it), the scale of the context from which is experienced (how people can see the building from afar and as they approach it), and the scale for which it serves (how the building interacts with people, or other objects, to fullfull the function of its operations).

Massing Arrangement: The arrangement illustrates how scale is relative to context, including what is next to and behind an object.

Scale and Perspective: The first two models are a fourth of the size of the third model; however, without seeing these objects next to each other, or having a point of reference in the last image, it is difficult to judge through these pictures the scale of the last model in relation to the first two. 22