Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

When one experiences a place, it is a complex composition of both social and spatial factors.
One of these spatial elements, is scale, which is influenced both by the room size and its
proportions. This paper aims to explore both large and small scale concepts and thus increase
the understanding of how scale directly and indirectly affects the experiences and uses of
urban space.
First, is a theoretical discussion of scale in relation to aesthetics and the differences
between real scale and perceived scale. Next, is an analysis of spatial perception using
examples from two existing sites. One, which is understood to have been planned in a large
scale and one which is understood to have been planned in a small scale.
When preparing this paper, the focus quickly became the importance of scale as it
relates to street spaces. The perception of a street usually takes place while in motion, which
forces it to be perceived in sections. Depending on the design, these sections can create an
experience of the street space that could be large, small or diverse. The key to creating
interesting environments is to find the right balance between variation in scale and richness in
details.