Anthropometric analysis of wooden architectural heritage based on a historical system of measures

Abstract

The paper examines the historical Russian system of measures and its significance for the study of monuments of Russian wooden architecture. The basis of the research is the work of Russian scientists on metrology in construction, as well as research in the field of anthropometry. Continuing the idea of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man,” this study formulates the hypothesis of a person’s “personal space” in Russian folk architecture. A conclusion is drawn about the modular structure of “spheres of comfort”, which are based on values associated with human growth. “Spheres of Comfort” are used to analyze the plan and facade structures of an archaic peasant building in the Sverdlovsk region. The arrangement of the spheres demonstrates a logical, “organic” composition of the modules. At the same time, numerical analysis of the plan and facade in vershok units is used. Analysis of numerical chains shows that the basis of a series of increasing quantities is the ratio of the diagonal of the square to its side (i.e. √2). The conclusion states the general and specific features of Russian house construction inherent in each specific building. The question is raised about the need for further statistical research and the compilation of regional tables based on anthropometry.