Golden Rectangle Deconstruction
Generative Framework: Golden Rectangles as Elevations
The project began with the Fibonacci sequence (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …), which I used to generate a series of golden rectangles—each with a side ratio approximating the golden mean (φ ≈ 1.618). These rectangles served as the elevations for design explorations, providing a proportional grid that inherently adheres to the harmonic principles of the golden ratio. My aim was to test how this classical framework could be manipulated in three dimensions to produce architectural forms that balance mathematical rigor with parametric variability.
Using Grasshopper within Rhino, I developed a script to translate these golden rectangle elevations into 3D massings. To introduce variation, I incorporated a random component to control the extrusion depth of each elevation. This approach allowed me to maintain the proportional integrity of the golden rectangle while generating a range of forms that deviate from strict predictability, creating a dialogue between order and controlled chaos.
Phase 1: Isolated Massing Studies
The first phase focused on isolated massings, using the golden rectangle elevations as the starting point for individual modular blocks. The Grasshopper script extruded each elevation to a randomly determined depth, producing a series of unique massings that retain the proportional harmony of the golden ratio but vary in their three-dimensional expression. This randomness mimics the organic variations found in natural systems, where the golden ratio often manifests with subtle deviations
Phase 2: Facade Development with Modular Systems
Building on the isolated massings, the second phase explored how the golden rectangle modules could be scaled up to form a building facade. I arranged the golden rectangles into a vertical grid, using the same Grasshopper script to control the extrusion depth of each module. This created a facade system where the underlying proportional logic of the golden ratio is preserved, but the random extrusions introduce a dynamic rhythm of protrusions and recessions.
