Do you know which magical number is responsible for all the beautiful things in environment ?
Golden ratio, also known as the golden section, golden mean, divine proportion which is approximately equal to Φ(phi)=1.618. The definition of the golden ratio is ‘the ratio of the largest dimension to the shortest dimension or the sum of two dimensions to the largest dimension’. This golden ratio is also called the aspect ratio. To understand it easily two figures are given below
By putting the above definition to figure (a) and (b) we can say that Golden ratio = a/b or Golden ratio = a+b / b.
The golden ratio can be found everywhere like in nature (like pattern and arrangement of leaves in a tree or a plant), in architecture, painting and music. Some artists and architects have found out that the designs or buildings which are designed according to the golden ratio are aesthetically pleasing.
Practical applications of Golden ratio
1. Golden ratio in typography
The golden ratio can help you out to decide which font size you should use for headings and body text for your document so that it looks pleasant. Suppose you are given that your body text should be of 12pt then you can take the font size of (12*1.618 = 19.41pt) =20pt for the heading just above the body text.
2. Image Cropping and Resizing
If you are cropping or resizing a curvature type drawing then just use a golden spiral for a reference just mentioned in the figure. Here we are resizing the image of the rose so we have taken the golden spiral for reference. Just put it above the image and try to match the focal point in the middle of the spiral and the image we got by this method will be accurate.
3. Selection of Layout
In websites or UI designing we are required to give dimensions to the content block and the sidebar so if the dimensions are given according to the golden ratio then it will make good aesthetic design and we can then decide where we have to put the main content.
Observations/Examples of Golden ratio
1. Construction of Pyramid
An Egyptian pyramid Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu) is made according to golden pyramid rule (A pyramid in which slant height along the bisector of face is equal to 1.618 times the semi base) shown in figure. Its slope is 51°52’ which is very close to the golden pyramid slope which is 51°50’
2. Geometry of Shells
Snail shell and nautilus shells flows the golden spiral. It is also be seen in horns of some goats too.
3. Shape of Hurricanes
In some hurricanes it is observed that it also follows the golden spiral.
4. Ideal Human face
Faces of both humans and non-humans are found to be according to the golden ratio. The position of mouth, nose, eyes and chins are placed and distanced according to the golden section. It is also said that we found the people more attractive whose face matches the proportions of the golden section.
Written by: Ruchit Shah(Instagram: @rjshah_02)
Vociferous Writers (Instagram: @vociferouswriters)
