Modulor

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Swiss commemorative coin

The Modulor (fr. Moduler for dt. Proportion scheme) one from the architect and painter Le Corbusier developed in the years 1942-1955 (1887-1965) system of proportions and represents the most significant modern attempt to architectural features based on the measure of man mathematical order to give. He is thus in the tradition of Vitruvius .

The 1948 published Modulor is the most important theories of the history of architecture or architectural theory counted. In Modulor 2 (published 1955), Corbusier explains the application of the measurement theory, which he has based all his architectural work on. He wanted to give architecture a human dimension and at the same time an objective order.

system

The system is based on human dimensions and the golden ratio . At first Corbusier assumed 175 cm, from 1950 183 cm (corresponds to six feet) as human dimensions. This assumed standard size of the human body is the initial value of a geometric sequence of dimensions, each of which is in proportion to the golden section. This is the so-called red row : ... 183, 113 (navel height), 70, 43, 27 cm, ... By doubling the values ​​in the red row, the blue row is created : ... 226 (height with arm outstretched), 140, 86, 54 cm, ...

application

The first major application of the Modulor can be found in the residential unit of Marseille (also called Unité d'Habitation à Marseille ), which was built entirely according to Modulor dimensions. Further residential units can be found in Firminy , Briey-en-Forêt , Nantes and Berlin . However, due to the regulations of social housing in Berlin, the Modulor measurement system was often not allowed to be used - Le Corbusier then withdrew completely from this project. The system of measurements was also used in many other Corbusier designs.

An example of the Modulor can be found in the La Tourette Monastery . There are 100 cells there for the monks who live there - each of these cells has a ceiling height of 2.26 m and a width of 1.83 m.

criticism

Critics of the system have pointed out that the standard measure of the height of the human body adopted by Corbusier is not based on anthropometric observations and therefore the suspicion may arise that it was chosen for mathematical convenience. It is also criticized that the female body does not play a role in Le Corbusier's system. In addition, the dimensions are difficult to remember.

literature

  • Le Corbusier: The Modulor. Representation of a harmonic measure generally applicable in architecture and technology on a human scale . Cotta, Stuttgart 1953 (part 1) and 1958 (part 2).

Web links

Individual evidence