Mathematics in Architecture by Lauretta J. Fox(Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute) To produce structures that are functional as well as models of architectural beauty, designers must apply principles of mathematics in their work. Scale drawings, commonly known as plans are used as patterns in the construction of buildings. Proper ratios and proportions relate each feature of a building with every other one and with the whole structure to obtain a pleasing appearance. In this unit of study we will try to improve the students� understanding and appreciation of basic mathematical principles used in architecture. The unit will discuss in detail the concepts of measurement, scale drawing, ratio, proportion, and symmetry. There are several basic objectives for this unit of study. Upon completion of the unit, the student will be able to: � use a ruler easily and accurately to determine measurements. � construct and interpret scale drawings. � understand the principles of ratio, proportion, and symmetry. � apply these principles in the solution of problems. Scale When a new building is being designed, the architect must convert his ideas to drawings. These drawings enable homeowners, contractors, carpenters, and others to know exactly what the architect has in mind. They show the sizes, shapes and arrangements of rooms, structural parts, windows, doors, closets and other important details of construction. The pictures are miniature reproductions of the building and are called scale drawings. Scale drawings which represent the parts of a building must be in exact proportion to the actual structure. Various scales may be used for this purpose. For example, 1/8 inch may be used to represent one foot, that is, instead of drawing an object one foot long, one would draw it 1/8 inch long. One of the most common scales used by architects is 1/4 inch = one foot. Example 1: Using the scale 1/8 inch = 1 foot, complete the following: a. 12 feet are represented by inches. b. 1 7/8 inches represent feet. Solution: a. foot= 1/8 inch 12 feet = 12 x 1/8 = 1 1/2 inches. 12 feet are represented by 1 1/2 inches. b. 1/8 inch = 1 foot 1 7/8 $dv 1/8 = 1 7/8 x 8 = 15 feet. 1 7/8 inches represent 15 feet.
Posted on: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 07:36:33 +0000
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