Measure for Measure: Masculinity, Proportion and the Architecture of the Ancients
(2001) Measure for Measure: Masculinity, Proportion and the Architecture of the Ancients. In Burry, Mark and Datta, Sambit and Dawson, Anthony and Rollo, John, Eds. Proceedings Mathematics and Design 2001: The Third International Conference, pages pp. 404-414, Deakin University, Geelong.
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Abstract
This paper is a gendered reading of mathematical proportion and the human body in the architecture of the ancients. It discusses how body centred proportion, derived from empirical observation are projected onto architecture as ideal mathematical measurement between proportion, the human body and architecture. Often identified through the male body proportional rules of measurement present a form of masculinity that concerns strength, bareness and beauty. A critical reading of a number of ancient architectural treatises is made using contemporary gender and sexuality theories to show that proportion and the architectural orders of the ancients promote a hegemonic narrative of masculinity.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Keywords: | architectural philosophy; aesthetic theory; gender theory |
| Subjects: | 310000 Architecture, Urban Environment and Building > 310100 Architecture and Urban Environment > 310105 History of the Built Environment 310000 Architecture, Urban Environment and Building > 310100 Architecture and Urban Environment > 310101 Architecture 310000 Architecture, Urban Environment and Building > 310100 Architecture and Urban Environment > 310106 Interior and Environmental Design |
| ID Code: | 7695 |
| Deposited By: | Taylor, Mark |
| Deposited On: | 16 May 2007 |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2001 Mark Taylor |