6/22/22, 11:50 AM Importance & Types of Scale in Architecture – Archistudent

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January 14, 2019

IMPORTANCE & TY PES O F S C AL E IN

ARCHITECTURE
Architecture, Elements of Design, Study of Architecture and design / By Guneet Singh Khurana /

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architectural scale, architectural standards, buland darwaza, Design of taj mahal, Design Process, Elements
of Design, human scale, Humayun Tomb, importance of scale in architecture, Madurodam Miniature Park,
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6/22/22, 11:50 AM Importance & Types of Scale in Architecture – Archistudent
o es g , u a sca e, u ayu o b, po a ce o sca e ac ec u e, adu oda aue a ,
miniature scale, monumental scale, Reims Cathedral, Rotterdam, scale, scales in architecture, textured walls,

Types of Scale in Architecture, units of scale, use of light colors, visual scale

Standard Scales for Architectural Drawings: Scale is referred to as the ratio of the size of the object to
the actual size of the object. It gives the actual size or dimension of an object or building. The term
scale can also be referred to as the instrument used to measure the various objects or forms. The units
of scale are feet (‘), inches (“), metre (m), centimetre (cm), millimeter (mm), etc. Scale in Architecture
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plays a vital role in the design process and execution.

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Standard Sc ales for Arc h itec t u r al

Drawings h as a lot of
importance: -
1. Before planning for a building, the scale needs to be set to make the work easy.
2. With the use of scale, the sizes of the objects are set as; it is to be made in miniature scale, human
scale or architectural/monumental scale.
3. With the setting of a correct scale, the composition becomes more accurate and aesthetically
pleasing.
4. The architect uses the miniature scale for making his drawings on the paper and for making models.
5. With due reference to the scales, the sizes of the forms are set in a monument.
6. In the case of Taj Mahal or Humayun Tomb, the monumental scale was set to make it look more
pleasing and to consider it as a monument.

Types of Sta n dar d

Scales for
Architectural
Drawings: 

Various Scales which Architects use in their daily life are – M d l M b L C b i

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6/22/22, 11:50 AM Importance & Types of Scale in Architecture – Archistudent
Various Scales which Architects use in their daily life are Modular Man by Le Corbusier

Human Scale
It is defined as the scale with reference to the human dimensions and all the sizes of the objects are
set accordingly. We may say it as the scale of all the objects and the buildings used for daily purpose.
All the sizes are convenient and handy in accordance to the people living in the building. The sizes of
chairs, tables,
Home
staircase treads and risers, doors,
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windows; all are
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dimensions and their use.

The human scale in architecture can be explained with the height of the
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building by giving reference to the human dimensions and human scale.
It can also be explained by the use of various other features and
elements such as colors, textures, size of windows and doors etc.

In case, if dark colors are used in a room, then it looks to be more smaller
than compared to the use of light colors. Large windows make room look
bigger as compared to the smaller windows which make the room look
smaller. Textured walls are used in the big halls or rooms to get a feel of
nearness in room. The textured walls enhance the beauty and helps in
feeling the less distance between two objects or walls of room. The best
examples for human scales are – houses and automobiles which we use
are built in this scale.

i i l
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6/22/22, 11:50 AM Importance & Types of Scale in Architecture – Archistudent

Miniature Scale
When the scale of the object is set in such a manner that the size of the object or building decreases
from the actual size then it is termed as miniature scale. Architects use it for making plans and models.
It is also used by the miniature artists to derive various forms and sculptures. In our daily life if we want
to compare then the small ant is in miniature scale to the human being. In case of model making, the
actual dimensions are reduced to make appropriate models. Madurodam Miniature Park near
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Rotterdam is a best example of miniature scale. It is 1:25 live scale model replicas of the beautiful cities
of Holland.

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Madurodam

Monumental Scale
When the size of the object or a building gets increased than the actual size then it is termed as
monumental scale. The scale is much bigger than human scale and generally used for public places.
The places where large crowds gather such places need to be constructed on monumental scale.

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6/22/22, 11:50 AM Importance & Types of Scale in Architecture – Archistudent

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Taj Mahal

The Buland Darwaza is in monumental scale, because its size is far-far bigger than the actual human
dimensions. The Taj Mahal is also constructed in monumental scale so as to give the feel of grandeur.

Buland Darwaza Reims Cathedral

Vis ion Scale or

Architectural Scale
It is not the actual scale. It is the size of the object seen with reference to the object around it. In case of
the elevation of the house, the height of windows and doors defines the height of the building and
hence is set according to the architectural scale. The architectural standards are set and accordingly
the scale is set for them. The façade made in this scale makes the composition more aesthetic and
pleasing.

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6/22/22, 11:50 AM Importance & Types of Scale in Architecture – Archistudent

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Written by: Gune e t Si ngh Khurana

Ar. Guneet Singh Khurana is a visionary architect, author and currently

working in Design Arch as Principal Architect. He holds B.Arch degree
from Department of Architecture, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.
His creative approach and interest in designing inspired him to pursue
future in architecture. He has an extensive experience in the field of
architecture and urban design. He is the founder of Archistudent.net (a
resource portal dedicated to providing information and knowledge to
the growing community of architecture, interior design, landscape and
planning). He is recipient of the PAFE Award for excellence in the field of
Environment friendly architecture and University Scholarship for
excellence in academics.

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