Dynamic Symmetry Lesson: Angular Spiral Construction
Spirals were very important to the Greeks as evidenced in their Ionic columns. The proportions were calculated carefully, resulting in classical beauty known for this period. The proportions used are at the heart of Dynamic Symmetry, using inner divisions that are proportional to the original rectangle. Diagonals and Reciprocals aid in the construction of spirals. We begin with angular spirals formed from line segments between a main diagonal and one of its reciprocals. The well-known Golden Rectangle would lead to a “Golden” Angular Spiral described elsewhere. Note though that a 5 by 6 rectangle is chosen here as an example, since it has more turns than a "wider" rectangle/panel and in fact is closer to the Greek Ideal spiral for the Ionic Column. When constructing this 5 by 6 shape, realize that the instructions will hold for any rectangle. Following this set, we will list a few angular spirals constructed for popular panel proportions. Note in par...