- When I mention the golden section,
many people immediately walk away.
"Oh no, math." They think.
And yes, the golden section is about math.
But the equations have already been handled,
you simply need to know how to use it
to help your design.
First, the golden section,
which is also called the golden rectangle, or golden mean,
is a proportional structure that has been in use
since the Egyptians.
It has been called the golden section
because the Greeks found it to be a proportion
that is uncommonly frequent
in geometry and nature.
Without getting into complex mathematics,
the golden rectangle is a form created
by using the golden ratio, 1.618.
This ratio is based on the Fibonacci sequence.
If you saw the Da Vinci Code movie,
this was a sacred and secret geometry.
But it's not really secret.
The Fibonacci numbers are created
when the first number is added to the second in sequence.
For example, one plus one equals two.
One plus two equals three,
two plus three equals five,
three plus five equals eight, and so on.
But so what?
It's an interesting way of adding numbers,
how does it relate to design?
Oddly, it's a sequence that reccurs in nature
with surprising frequency.
When we use these numbers as measurements,
we can create a series of boxes based on the units.
When they are combined, we have created a golden rectangle.
Then, by connecting the points of the rectangles,
we create a perfect spiral.
The exact spiral is found throughout nature,
in galaxies, shells, and flowers.
The Greeks determined the rectangle
to be the most pleasing form to the human eye
due to its seemingly perfect geometry.
They used it on their architecture.
Renaissance painters, such as Leonardo da Vinci,
used the ratio in his painting and sculpture.
Modern architects use the form,
and graphic designers have applied it to print
for centuries.
I use the golden rectangle as a guide
to build a grid when I want to.
It's not mandated, it's just another option.
I can use the form to determine the shape of a book,
or the grid structure of the pages.
I've used it to create consistency with a variety of forms.
Even as a device to organize information on a screen.
The golden rectangle is an amazing proportion.
Entire books are devoted to it,
but in our world, use it as one possible way
to determine a layout.
When it works, it's wonderful.
When it doesn't, try another approach.