R-4:
Scale and Proportion
Scale and proportion are generally
considered together or as synonyms in relating size in design, although some do
interpret them as different. Scale
specifically evaluates how individual design components relate to each other,
while proportion evaluates the component sizes relative to the arrangement and
composition. Whichever term(s) selected,
these size relationships are critical to effective design. Just as a small centerpiece would be
ineffective for use on an auditorium stage, a size mismatch among the flowers,
foliages, container, accessories, as well as the setting will detract from
appreciation of the arrangement and composition.
This is
one of the more difficult principles to learn and apply because so many
elements are involved together. Most
decisions are based on visual sense; there are few guidelines to help. Some scale problems are obvious, such as
trying to use large chrysanthemum flowers with miniature roses, large calla
leaves with small violet foliage, or a four-inch-diameter rose in a two-inch-diameter
container. For the arrangement as a
whole, any flower greater than one-third the arrangement or container size is
out of scale. However, this does not
give a simple answer to which flowers, foliages, and containers to use
together. Physical size is also modified
by color and texture, which can either increase or decrease scale
differences. This can still get out of
control, as with the very common problem in the use of "filler"
materials, such as baby's breath, which can softly enhance an arrangement but
are often added (to cover arrangement flaws) in amounts completely out of
proportion to the design.
One
guideline offers an effective starting point in establishing the arrangement
proportion to the container. Simply
stated, the major dimension of the arrangement should be one-and-a-half to two
times the major dimension of the container.
In this way the arrangement height or width, whichever is to be greater,
is directly related to the height or width of the chosen container. Some design materials may allow or require
adjustment in this proportion guideline.
For example, a heavy, black pottery container may adequately support a
larger arrangement, just as light and airy floral materials might need an
arrangement two to three times the container size for a good size relationship.
Proportional
guidelines for the arrangement in its setting do not generally exist. There should be visual comfort that the
arrangement neither is dwarfed by the setting nor engulfs the available area,
that it neither is crammed into the space nor is lost in it. An aid in arranging flowers for dining tables
is recognizing that no one wants to converse through a forest. Therefore, these centerpieces generally
emphasize a round or horizontal form with their height restricted to 12 to 18
inches.