Digital Design Communication: The Golden Section

What is The Golden Section?

ž The Golden Section is a ratio based on a phi.

ž The Golden Section is also known as the Golden Mean, Golden Ratio and Divine Proportion. It is a ratio or proportion defined by the number Phi ( = 1.618033988749895... ).

ž And it came from the fibonacci numbers.

ž The golden section is a line segment divided according to the golden ratio: The total length a + b is to the longer segment a as a is to the shorter segment b.

ž Its use started as early as with the Egyptians in the design of the pyramids. When the basic phi relationships are used to create a right triangle, it forms the dimensions of the great pyramids of Egypt, with the geometry shown below creating an angle of 51.83 degrees, the cosine of which is phi, or 0.618.

ž The Greeks knew it as the "dividing a line in the extreme and mean ratio" and used it extensively for beauty and balance in the design of the Parthenon and other architecture.

ž It was also used in the design of Notre Dame in Paris, which was built in the 1163 and 1250.

ž In India, it was used in the construction of the Taj Mahal, which was completed in 1648.

ž Its use continues in modern architecture, as illustrated in the United Nations building

ž The CN Tower in Toronto, the tallest tower and freestanding structure in the world, has contains the golden ratio in its design. The ratio of observation deck at 342 meters to the total height of 553.33 is 0.618 or phi, the reciprocal of Phi!

How to Calculate The Golden Section?

ž Fibonacci Numbers
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, …

ž In the fibonacci numbers, the result of the addition of two first numbers, is the number after that.

1 + 2 = 3
2 + 3 = 5
3 + 5 = 8,...

ž The division of the number before and the number after, will have the same result which is phi (Φ), which is the golden section.

233 / 144 = 1,618
377 / 233 = 1,618
610 / 377 = 1,618
987 / 610 = 1,618
1597 / 987 = 1,618,...

The Remarkableness OF THE GOLDEN SECTION

ž We can find the golden section everywhere, architect also use this to build a good proportion buliding, but actually we can find it even in our own body. All the ratio that created in this world actually use the golden section. For example:

ž The distance from top of fingers until the elbow, divided by the distance from wirst until the elbow=1.618

ž The distance from the navel until the top of the head,divided by the distance from shoulder until the top of the head=1.618

ž The length of the face divided by the width of it=1.618

ž And so many other example.

The Golden Section Behind The Beuty

ž The golden section even interpreted as the ratio to make a face of human look beautiful or not. Our attraction to another person's body increases if that body is symmetrical and in proportion. Likewise, if a face is in proportion, we are more likely to notice it and find it beautiful. Scientists believe that we perceive proportional bodies to be healthier.

ž This mask of the human face is based on the Golden Ratio. The proportions of the length of the nose, the position of the eyes and the length of the chin, all conform to some aspect of the Golden Ratio.

ž When placed over the photo of Jessica Simpson, we see there is a good fit (that is, the proportions of her face fit the geometrically "nice" proportions of the mask, based on the Golden Ratio). So, her beauty is mathematical!

The Golden Section in Architecture

ž Some studies of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, conclude that many of its proportions approximate the golden ratio. The Parthenon's facade as well as elements of its facade and elsewhere are said to be circumscribed by golden rectangles. To the extent that classical buildings or their elements are proportioned according to the golden ratio, this might indicate that their architects were aware of the golden ratio and consciously employed it in their designs. Alternatively, it is possible that the architects used their own sense of good proportion, and that this led to some proportions that closely approximate the golden ratio.