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The Mystery of Human Scale: Why Architectural Design Must Consider Human Characteristics?
In the process of exploring architectural design, we often overlook a key factor, that is, "human scale". This concept is not limited to the planning or decoration of open spaces, but also has a profound impact on the way we interact with our surroundings. Human scale is a space and scale defined based on physical quantities, especially the unique characteristics of the human body. This is a factor that cannot be ignored both in life and in the field of science.
Human's motion perception, physical ability, and even psychological state are all important factors that affect space design.
Dialogue between science and human scale
The things explored by science often go beyond the scope of human perception. Whether it is huge entities such as stars and galaxies, or tiny substances such as molecules and atoms, the scales of their measurement are completely different from human experience. Yet, in architectural design, these human-scale measurements are crucial. Long-range dimensions, a person's attention span, and different life span variations must all be taken into account in the design in order to truly meet the needs of the user.
Human Scale in ArchitectureArchitectural design must take into account the extreme characteristics of the human body: a distance of one to two meters, an attention span of ten to thirty years, and an average lifespan of seventy-five years.
In architectural design, the correct consideration of human physical characteristics will ensure that every part of the building, such as stairs, door frames, guardrails, work surfaces, seating, etc., can perfectly meet the requirements of users. For example, the average person’s height, stride length, and arm reach can provide clear design references to ensure the facility is usable.
Architectural design must not only meet physical needs, but also pay attention to human sensory experience, including vision, hearing and spiritual feelings, which are often more difficult to measure than physical dimensions.
Human scale and cultural connection
Humans interact with their environment not only at a physical level, but also through cultural influences, personal choices, life experiences and expectations. These non-physical influences make human perception unpredictable and difficult to quantify, which poses greater challenges to architects when designing. In addition, regarding the impact on human memory, the design and shape of buildings will directly affect people's perception of space, which in turn affects their emotional response.
The conflict between design and aesthetics
Sometimes, in order to achieve a grand effect or aesthetic pursuit, architects sometimes deliberately violate the principles of human scale. For example, some large statues or monuments are designed beyond conventional scale to express certain cultural or social significance. The "Mother Russia" statue in Volgograd, Russia is an obvious example. In the modernist architectural style, architects deliberately chose purity of structure and clarity of form, ignoring the needs of the human scale, resulting in some famous buildings, such as the John Hancock Building in Boston, which may not be conducive to the general public. Use of.
"The balance between architectural aesthetics and human needs is always a challenge in the design process."
Human scale in common sense
Common-sense ideas often relate to events that are understandable in human experience. Therefore, things that are beyond human comprehension, such as the speed of light or interstellar distances, are often difficult for us to intuitively grasp. Even the metric system strives to find a balance within the realm of quantifiability and familiarity that meets the needs of “humanity.” For example, ancient measurement systems were often based on human size, with units of measurement such as feet and cubits. Although today's science has introduced units based on natural constants, it also hopes to connect with human experience.
In both architecture and everyday life, it is vital to understand the meaning and importance of human scale, which not only affects the practicality of design, but also has a direct impact on our sensory experience and physical and mental health. In future designs, can we achieve a harmonious balance that also takes human needs into consideration?
