50 Size
Size Size is in some ways related to scale, where we are comparing objects to each other. However, it is a comparison to units, not other features. Size is significant in determining form as it can reflect the use of a building, the strength of its materials, and the building’s importance. Size related to use is rather simple. An architect would not arrange the forms of a bathroom so small one could not move comfortably between the sink and the shower, and likewise, if it is too large, the extra space becomes unnecessary. In my dowel composition, the big factor in its size was the strength of the materials. The balsa wood dowels were only 1/32” thick, so after testing the length, I deemed that 5” sides would be sufficient to understand both the model’s details while not being too big as to be flimsy and fall over. When it comes to models: too big, and the material may not hold, and the bigger picture of the form could be lost. On the opposite end, if it is too small, then the form’s details cannot be made out. Size in terms of importance is best summed up by medieval churches, such as the one in Reims, which were designed to be the tallest thing in the city and thus making God the most important thing. Thus the size of forms for these churches was related to their importance.
From top to bottom:
The Notre Dame de Reims cath France. Photo by G. Garitan.
A dowel composition I created a grid from an elevation of the House.
