Short answer

Relying solely on established mathematical ratios for design may not guarantee optimal human scale and comfort; designers should balance theoretical principles with empirical user-centered considerations.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Journal of Islamic Architecture (2019)
Method: Comparative Case Study and Quantitative Analysis
Evidence: Moderate effect

Analysis of selected mosques in Erbil City reveals that adherence to the golden ratio in architectural design does not fully translate to optimal human scale and proportionality, impacting aesthetic appeal and user comfort. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Journal of Islamic Architecture. Using Comparative case study and quantitative analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Relying solely on established mathematical ratios for design may not guarantee optimal human scale and comfort; designers should balance theoretical principles with empirical user-centered considerations.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Golden Ratio application in mosque design yields suboptimal aesthetic and comfort outcomes.

Journal of Islamic Architecture · 2019

Key Findings

01None of the selected mosques fully incorporated the golden ratio in their designs.
02The Rashad Mufty Mosque exhibited the highest adherence to the golden ratio (82%), followed by the Great Mosque of Erbil Citadel (74%), and Madina Mnawara Mosque (61%).

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing spaces intended for human use, especially those with cultural or spiritual significance, conduct user studies or ergonomic assessments to ensure that theoretical design principles translate into tangible comfort and aesthetic satisfaction.

Project actions

01When selecting a design style or principle, consider its historical context and its intended impact on users.
02If using mathematical ratios, ensure you can demonstrate how they relate to human factors and not just abstract aesthetics.

Method & Evidence

AimTo investigate the extent to which human scale and proportionality, specifically through the application of the golden ratio, have been incorporated into the design of mosques in Erbil City across different historical periods.

MethodComparative Case Study and Quantitative Analysis

ProcedureThree mosques in Erbil City (Great Mosque of Erbil Citadel, Rashad Mufty Mosque, and Madina Mnawara Mosque) were selected as case studies. The golden ratio was employed as a measurement technique to assess the degree of its application in their architectural designs, focusing on elements contributing to human scale and proportionality within the prayer halls.

ContextArchitectural design of religious buildings (mosques)

Variables

IVApplication of the golden ratio in mosque design.

DVDegree of human scale and proportionality achieved (measured by golden ratio adherence), aesthetic appeal, and user comfort.

CVMosque type (religious building), location (Erbil City), historical period of construction (implied by selection).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Focuses on a specific architectural typology (mosques) and its relation to human scale.
+Employs a quantitative method (golden ratio analysis) to assess design adherence.

Limitations

The scope of the study was limited to specific mosques and a single mathematical ratio. Real-world design is influenced by many more factors.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of the golden ratio measurement is high if applied consistently. However, the validity of using only the golden ratio to assess 'human scale and proportionality' and 'comfort' is questionable, as these are complex subjective experiences influenced by many factors.

Think critically

To what extent should designers prioritize established mathematical principles over empirical user feedback when aiming for aesthetic and functional success in their designs?

Design Principles

"Design proportions should be validated against human scale and comfort, not just theoretical mathematical ideals."

Understanding the relationship between established design principles like the golden ratio and actual user experience is crucial for creating spaces that are both visually pleasing and functionally comfortable. This research highlights that theoretical design frameworks may not always align perfectly with practical application, necessitating a nuanced approach in architectural practice.

What This Means for Your Design

Even when architects try to use a 'perfect' mathematical ratio like the golden ratio in designing buildings like mosques, it doesn't always make the space feel perfectly comfortable or look the best for people. Some mosques were closer to the ratio than others, but none were perfect.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of human scale and proportionality in your design, especially if your project involves cultural or religious spaces.
2.Use the findings to justify your own design decisions if you choose to deviate from or adapt classic design ratios.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the complex relationship between theoretical design principles and user experience. The study on mosque architecture in Erbil City found that even when employing the golden ratio, a widely recognized principle for aesthetic harmony and proportion, the resulting spaces did not fully achieve optimal human scale and comfort. This suggests that designers must go beyond simply applying mathematical formulas and actively consider how their designs impact the physical and psychological well-being of users, ensuring that theoretical ideals translate into practical benefits.

Source

Journal of Islamic Architecture

STUDYING THE HUMAN SCALE AND PROPORTIONALITY OF MOSQUE BUILDINGS: SOME SELECTED CASE STUDIES IN ERBIL CITY

journal · 2019

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Questions About This Research

What does the research say about golden ratio application in mosque design yields suboptimal aesthetic and comfort outcomes?: Relying solely on established mathematical ratios for design may not guarantee optimal human scale and comfort; designers should balance theoretical principles with empirical user-centered considerations. Evidence: Journal of Islamic Architecture (2019).
Why does "Golden Ratio application in mosque design yields suboptimal aesthetic and comfort outcomes." matter for design?: Understanding the relationship between established design principles like the golden ratio and actual user experience is crucial for creating spaces that are both visually pleasing and functionally comfortable. This research highlights that theoretical design frameworks may not always align perfectly with practical application, necessitating a nuanced approach in architectural practice.
How can designers apply this research?: Relying solely on established mathematical ratios for design may not guarantee optimal human scale and comfort; designers should balance theoretical principles with empirical user-centered considerations.
What were the main findings?: None of the selected mosques fully incorporated the golden ratio in their designs.. The Rashad Mufty Mosque exhibited the highest adherence to the golden ratio (82%), followed by the Great Mosque of Erbil Citadel (74%), and Madina Mnawara Mosque (61%).
What research method was used?: Comparative Case Study and Quantitative Analysis.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from Journal of Islamic Architecture.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing spaces intended for human use, especially those with cultural or spiritual significance, conduct user studies or ergonomic assessments to ensure that theoretical design principles translate into tangible comfort and aesthetic satisfaction.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on a limited selection of mosques and used only the golden ratio as a metric, potentially overlooking other factors influencing human scale and proportionality.