VLQ: Can you construct a √2 rectangle?

visual-literacy-quiz-006

Some rectangles are more fun than others, mathematically, especially for design.  They are known as the Root Rectangles or the Golden Section Series.  They are special because their proportions are such that the primary diagonals and reciprocals divide the rectangles into equal sections like fractals.  Fractal Geometry is considered a recent discovery but the Square Roots and the elegance of their geometry have been understood for thousands of years.

* Left- Babylonian tablet, 1,700 BC showing a calculation for the √2. Right- Egyptian column capital 300 BC with binary divisions.
Left– Babylonian tablet, 1,700 BC showing a calculation for the √2.  Right– Egyptian column capital 300 BC with binary divisions.

Remember, we call the Circle, Square and Triangle primary because they are indivisible.  They represent Unity, the whole, they are complete.

Let’s begin. A square has the proportions 1:1.  The √1=1.  Easy enough.  However, the diagonal of a square happens to equal the √2 which is 1.414… (it’s an irrational number that continues on like π). We can construct a √2 rectangle by drawing a square and using it’s diagonal to swing a compass down (or up) to an adjacent side. Diagram 1

root-2-rectangle-construction
Diagram 1: √2 Construction

This new rectangle will have the proportions of 1:1.414. Further, we will find that it’s reciprocals will divide the parent rectangle into 2 equal child rectangles each of which has the exact same proportions as the parent 1:1.414.*

Diagram 2

Note- All rectangles that share the same diagonal are the same proportion.

 

root-2-subdivisions
Diagram 2: √2 Subdivisions

 

The √2 has a binary subdivision by splitting the larger rectangle into 2 equal smaller, related, rectangles. As mentioned above, there are other rectangles that share similiar properties. Here’s a hint. They all relate. Diagram 3.

 

root-2-diagrams
Diagram 3: How a √2 rectangle relates to the square and other Root Rectangles.

Logarithmic spirals can be formed by following the long side of each subdivision.*  Diagram 4

root-2-spirals
Diagram 4: √2 Spirals

 

About now you might be thinking this…

 

Image from SNL 1st season.
Image from SNL 1st season.

So you may not be interested in all this math. Fair enough, what do you think of this?

 

Claude Joseph Verent- The Shipwreck, National Gallery of Art
Claude Joseph Vernet– The Shipwreck, 1772, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

Now take a look at this…

Video 1: Vernet- √2 Diagram

 

Also, see how a young Picasso use √2 the here…

*The entire rectangle adheres to these subdivisions. The diagrams shown can be rotated or mirrored to the same effect.

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