Assistant professor of Interior Design and Architecture, Dr. Tiziana Proietti, recently published her research, “Revisiting the plastic number theory from the perspective of perceptual psychology,” in the Architectural Science Review.
Abstract
Architect Hans van der Laan spent his lifetime studying human perception of proportion. His work led to the development of the plastic number system. In this system every step represents a group of fractions that describe objects of similar sizes. Indeed, each step is defined as the ‘representative size’ of a group of sizes that are perceptually indiscriminate from one another. Over decades of research, Van der Laan conducted a series of experiments to test his system. The clarity with which he approached the perception of proportion provides a suitable ground for testing the plastic number by scientific means. To take the first step in that direction, it is useful to consider Van der Laan’s approach within the context of sensory psychophysics and Gestalt psychology. Highlighting these connections suggests specific directions for future research of the plastic number and opens a new chapter in studies on proportion in architecture.
Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to announce the promotion of Ph.D. student Rafael Hernandez to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Gibbs College of Architecture Assistant Professor Dr. Ladan Mozaffarian, in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design, has co-authored a new book chapter with Josh Newton and Andrew Born, published in De Gruyter Handbook of the Geographies of Race.
Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design (PLAD) alumni Trey Ingram, AICP recently spoke with current PLAD student and graduate media assistant Molly Strobel to share his experiences with the Regional and City Planning program and current work with the Toyota Mobility Foundation.
