The golden ratio

16 september 2024

Fine Graphic has acquired the domain name deguldensnede.nl. I owe this to my former employer, Ger van Beek, with whom I had a pleasant working relationship long ago. It is especially inspiring to work with this fascinating ratio, as many designers and artists have done before me.

The golden ratio (also known as sectio aurea) is a mathematical ratio often considered aesthetically pleasing and is associated with beauty in art, architecture, and nature. This ratio is denoted by the Greek letter φ (phi) and has a value of approximately 1.618.

Mathematical definition:

Imagine a line segment divided into two parts, such that the ratio of the larger part to the smaller part is equal to the ratio of the whole line segment to the larger part.

In formula form:

$$\frac{a+b}{a}=\frac{a}{b}=\varphi \approx 1,$$

Where:

• a is the larger part of the line segment,
• b is the smaller part of the line segment,
• a + b is the total line segment.

Practical examples:

1. Art and architecture: Many famous artworks and buildings use the golden ratio, such as the pyramids of Egypt, the Parthenon in Athens, and paintings by artists like Leonardo da Vinci.
2. Nature: The golden ratio appears in patterns like the spirals of shells, the arrangement of leaves on stems, and the structure of sunflowers.
3. Design: It is also widely used in modern design principles, such as the composition of logos and websites, to create a sense of balance and harmony.

The golden ratio is therefore often associated with perfect proportions and has been used by artists and architects for thousands of years.