What does it mean when we say that a something is out of proportion? No expression is more familiar in our conversation with others and our own thoughts. Yet, if any of us were to nail down a define reason why it is out of proportion, after thinking about it we would find that it is because it does not conform to some standard that has been set by us or someone else. We judge everything by a standard.
When we complain that fried chicken isn't like the chicken made by our grandmothers, then we are referring to a standard. If we see a man whose legs and arms are extra long, we would say he is poorly proportioned. But then we do not criticize the length of arms and legs on a chimp. The extra length belongs there because that is what a chimp looks like. We have different standards of the proportions for men and chimpanzees.
In architecture we have been taught that certain types of homes should have certain proportions. For example, the height of a column is described in terms of its diameter in relation to its height, and any variation from that particular diameter to height ratio usually is not accepted on the grounds that their proportions are not good. A good example would be the Corinthian column that is ten diameters high. It has the classic proportions of a Corinthian column and no one will deny that a column that has these proportions is attractive.
Yet I have seen homes that used Corinthian columns on the front porch of the house but were reduced in size to fit the profile of the building. And on this same building were elements of other styles and designs of houses. The oddity is that all this seemed to fit together to make an attractive and unique home.
The answer is that proportion is and always must be a matter of individual taste that varies continually with the development of the mind of the individual. Like good taste, it is like one of the beasts mentioned in the book of Revelation in the scriptures. This creature has several faces, legs, wings, etc., along with a body that does not match the rest of its features. The slightest attempt to define it as a standard is impossible yet the scriptures would be incomplete without it.
In the United States, I have seen the common Ranch style home take on a distinctively different look altogether when elements like ornate porch railings and pickets were added to the design along with round gable vents and dental moldings. This home took on the Colonial look merely by adding a few various trim designs.
And when that same plain Jane home has Corinthian columns added that were proportionate to the height of the edge of a simple Portico, the home took on the look of a miniature plantation house. All that needed to be added were louvered shutters and evenly spaced windows.
About the Author
Tim Davis is a fully trained home designer with around thirty years experience as a designer and drafter. His website is at http://customhouseplans.8m.com.
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