Grids : Golden Section

The Golden section or ratio is thought to have been in use for thousands of years or possibly longer it is argued by some Ancient Egyptians used this principle to construct the pyramids. This ratio divides a line into two parts relating to each other approximately 1:1.618. This number is represented by the Greek letter phi. It plays a significant role in geometry e.g. in the construction of pentagons and pentagrams. It has been consistently used within architecture and art & craft to establish complementary and rational proportioned shapes. When 360º is divided by the golden ratio, the golden angle is 137.5º. The pattern created by this angle is repeated throughout nature. This system gives a result that is entirely proportional. This grid system is seen in context by many famous artists. Leonardo Da Vinci used the Golden Ratio for composition in his work for example in his painting ‘The Last Supper.’ You can also see the golden section in nature such as in flowers, sea shells and honeycomb etc. These are some examples in nature that follow the golden section principles.

To implement the ratio into design it must adhere to the ratio, 1:1.61. This is possible by subdividing areas by this ratio. The golden section works well to balance elements within design especially works well to balance content that is heavy with text. The golden section can prove more effective than other grid systems due to the breathing space the system can give elements for example typography. Whereas more traditional grid systems may appear more condensed or compact. As a whole, the golden ratio works by creating focus points it can help the designer consider placement and content effectively. The combination of understanding aspects such as colour and typography will improve the overall success of a design.

The Golden Section is seen throughout the world of design. It is used to determine most books and can be seen almost everywhere. The ratio is therefore viewed favourably. The system can balance elements within other elements, an example of this can be seen in the Pepsi and Toyota Logo, using the golden section to balance the circles in their logo’s. In programmes, you can set the guides to the golden ratio to help create a design using this system.

Some designers are fascinated with the golden section and use it to create various grids and page formats, as entire books have even been written on the subject. Other designers believe that the golden section is no more valid as a basis for sizes and proportions than other methods, such as beginning from standard industrial paper sizes, dividing surfaces into halves or squares, picking whole-number page formats and making logical divisions within them.

To summarise the golden section is not just a mathematical theory but can be seen in a variety of contexts including nature and every day. It is commonly used as a general guideline in Graphic Design. Sometimes the ratio can fit a design perfectly other times not necessarily. It is just another tool or guideline designers can use and in some circumstances better a design.