24 Questions
What was the primary goal of Le Corbusier's Modulor system?
To reconcile maths, the human form, architecture, and beauty into a single system
What was the basis of the fundamental 'module' of the Modulor?
A six-foot man
Why is the six-foot basis of the Modulor considered arbitrary?
Because it was plucked out of the air with no scientific basis
What is a limitation of the Modulor system?
It is unfair to women and children
What was Le Corbusier's intention for the Modulor system?
To reconcile maths, the human form, architecture, and beauty into a single system
What was the inspiration behind the height of the Modulor Man?
The height of detectives in English crime novels
What is a potential criticism of the Modulor system?
It is based on an arbitrary human measurement
What was Le Corbusier's broader vision for the Modulor system?
To reconcile maths, the human form, architecture, and beauty into a single system
What was the original basis for the yard measurement?
The distance from the nose to the thumb of an out-stretched arm
What is the approximate length of a cubit today?
18 inches
Who developed the Modular man, a system based on human measurements?
Le Corbusier
What influences the development of measurement systems?
Both mathematical proportions and human body proportions
What is the basis of the metric system?
The meter, which is one-ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the north pole
What is the origin of the word 'metric'?
From the Greek word 'metron' or the Latin word 'metricus'
What influences the work of Le Corbusier's Modular man?
The work of Vitruvius, Leonardo da Vinci, and others
What is a key element of Le Corbusier's Modular man system?
Both the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio
In ancient times, what was the original measurement of a foot?
111/42 inches
What is the modern measurement of a hand used for?
Measuring the height of a horse from the ground to the horse's withers
What was the original measurement of an inch?
The width of a man's thumb
What is the approximate measurement of a span?
9 inches
What is the association of scale with ergonomics in the field of architecture?
It is related to the size of body parts and its function
What was the original measurement of a yard?
The length of a man's belt or girdle
What is the importance of considering human body proportions in furniture design?
To ensure the furniture is functional and comfortable
What is the significance of using the human body as a measurement unit in ancient times?
It was a way to measure based on the average human body
Study Notes
Origins of Measurements
- The yard was originally fixed by King Henry I of England as the distance from his nose to the thumb of his out-stretched arm, and today it is 36 inches.
- A cubit was the distance from the elbow to the fingertips in ancient Egypt, and today it is about 18 inches.
The Metric System
- The French originated the meter in the 1790s as one/ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the north pole along a meridian through Paris.
- The meter is realistically represented by the distance between two marks on an iron bar kept in Paris.
- The word "metric" comes from the Latin word "metricus" or the Greek word "metron," both meaning measure.
Le Corbusier's Modular Man
- Le Corbusier developed the Modular Man in the long tradition of Vitruvius, Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, and others.
- The system is based on human measurements, the double unit, the Fibonacci numbers, and the golden ratio.
- The Modular Man was meant as a universal system of proportions to reconcile maths, the human form, architecture, and beauty into a single system.
Principles of Design: Proportions and Scales
- Proportions and scales are derived from the proportions of nature and the human body in both the Metric and Armstrong measurement systems.
- The Modulor Man was based on a six-foot man, allegedly based on the usual height of detectives in English crime novels.
- The Modulor was arbitrary, and its six-foot basis was plucked out of the air.
- Furniture and accessories must be in scale to the room for good design.
- Scale is closely related to ergonomics when used in the field of architecture.
Other Measurements
- Inch: Originally the width of a man's thumb, later equalled 3 grains of barley placed end to end lengthwise.
- Hand: Approximately 5 inches or 5 digits (fingers) across, today used to measure horses.
- Span: The length of the hand stretched out, about 9 inches.
- Foot: Originally 111/42 inches, today 12 inches, the length of the average man's foot.
- Yard: Originally the length of a man's belt or girdle, today a unit of measurement.
Learn about the history of measurements, from the yard and cubit to the meter, and how they were defined and originated.
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