Winged Lion of Judah

The winged Lion of Judah (claws n' all) looks upwards towards the wondrously decorated sanctuary dome of Saint Mary's Studley Royal Yorkshire UK

Andy Marshall is a professional architectural photographer. Most images can be downloaded 24/7 at Alamy

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The Golden Section

The Golden Section self evident in organ steps at St. Mary's Studley Yorkshire UK

Proportion, space and scale are an important factor in many buildings, and the most successful of them are a balanced mixture of all three elements. Several theories of proportion exist to illustrate how the implicit form of architecture can affect our senses by creating a meniscus of tension. Interestingly, the principles involved with most systems are similar, perhaps hinting at an innate value system of proportion in all of us, across all cultures.

The best known of these systems is the Golden Section, which is based upon a Pythagorean theory of ratio. The Collin's Dictionary describes the Golden Section as ' the proportion of the two divisions of a straight line such that the smaller is to the larger as the larger is to the sum of the two'

The Golden Section is self evident in the Parthenon

Even in the C20th Le Corbusier developed his own modular system which is based upon the Golden Mean. Summerson in his brilliant book Architecture in Britain 1530-1830 - says his work 'is so successful as a modern form of architecture because it holds within its genius loci the strings of form which link it tothe buildings of a past tradition'

Andy Marshall is a professional architectural photographer. Most images can be downloaded 24/7 at Alamy

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Space

David Chapel Llandaff Cathedral Wales, George Pace

'We put thirty spokes together and call it a wheel; But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the wheel depends. We turn clay to make a vessel; But it is on the space where there is nothing that the utility of the vessel depends. We pierce doors and windows to make a house; and it is on these spaces where there is nothing that the utility of the house depends. Therefore, just as we take advantage of what is, we should recognise the utility of what is not.'

Lao-tzu, Tao Te Ching C6th BC


Andy Marshall is a professional architectural photographer. Most images can be downloaded 24/7 at Alamy

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ARCHITECTURE WEEK: ARCHI-MAPS

Architecture week is celebrating its 10th birthday, and what better way to celebrate the event than checking out one of my archi-maps.

Archi-maps are based upon google earth (the free dowload) and provide a reference point for key buildings with information, links and photographs. Currently, I have 3 archi-maps in progress including, Manchester, Cheesden Industrial Valley and the timber framed buildings of Levenham.

To download these maps and to find out how to view them go here

The latest addition to the Manchester archi-map is the Beetham/ Hilton tower by Ian Simpson Architects completion 2006. You can view its location and access photographs and information about the tallest residential building in Europe.

The Manchester archi-map also has buildings dated into the century that they were built - so that you can view various periods of construction in isolation by clicking on each century folder.

Andy Marshall is a professional architectural photographer. Most images can be downloaded 24/7 at Alamy

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ARCHITECTURE WEEK - GET INVOLVED!

Beetham/Hilton Tower (Ian Simpson Architects) and GMEX Manchester, UK.

There are tonnes of events all over the UK which you can get involved with.

There is even an official architecture week website which has an extensive list of events themed under location.

You can even access podwalks on the site (but they are a little London biased) - where you can download audio commentary on various architectural themes and tours - more of these please!. These are a great introduction to international visitors.

Another exceptional site with a whole rack of news and events can be found at the Architecture Centre Network.

Here's what happens when you enter 'architecture uk' into my image search engine


Andy Marshall is a professional architectural photographer. Most images can be downloaded 24/7 at Alamy

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All images are copyright Andy Marshall and must not be used without prior permission.