CROSS WORKS - New Tashkent Architectural Guidelines. Part 2: Proportion

OVERVIEW

In last week’s New Tashkent Architectural Guidelines post, we reflected on the idea of Scale. Scale goes beyond sheer size — it’s about how buildings relate to their surroundings and shape the experience of a place. When done well, a space feels cohesive and welcoming. When executed poorly, even the finest materials or facades can’t compensate for a building that feels out of place. Monumental structures might suit civic spaces, but in residential areas, architecture needs to be more human-scaled — creating a sense of transition between neighbourhoods and blending naturally into context. 

This week, we turn our focus to Proportion — a fundamental design principle that ensures balance and harmony across every element of a space. Our New Tashkent Architectural Guidelines don’t aim to be overly prescriptive in this regard - instead, they offer practical guidance whilst giving space for the creative freedom designers need to do their best work. 

This article is one of a five-part series, focusing initially on the theme of Scale originally published on Cross Works website.

PROPORTION: DESIGNING WITH BALANCE 

Proportion is the relationship between different elements of a building — such as height, width, and depth — and how they relate to each other and the whole. When proportion is considered thoughtfully, it brings a sense of visual harmony and spatial functionality. Established ratios, like the Golden Ratio, have guided architects for centuries. Take the Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, where the near 1:2 proportions within the glass enclosure align closely with this timeless principle. 

Contextual responsiveness is a core consideration in our Proportion guideline, with consideration given to: 

• Edges: Highlighting key elements like entries and windows, and breaking up long facades to avoid monotony. 

• Continuity: Adjusting façade proportions to align with neighbouring buildings, helping to  create a cohesive neighbourhood rhythm. 

• Rooflines: Varying roof proportions enhance visual interest, adding character to both individual buildings and the skyline as a whole. 

• Junctions: Emphasising corner buildings by variations in proportion to adjoining structures, and thus serving as visual markers in the urban fabric. 

Aspect ratio — the width-to-height relationship of a building surface — plays a major role in defining the proportion of a building. Aspect ratio should not only respond to the functional requirements of the building use - but also be adaptable to changes in building use over time, whilst avoiding becoming visually repetitive. Aspect ratio also affects natural light: for example, tall, narrow windows on north-facing walls help diffuse light effectively into interiors. 

Given the dominance of residential typologies in the New Tashkent Masterplan, we’ve provided strong guidance for both detached houses and townhouses. For detached housing, balancing the orientation of upper levels to north and south was a key consideration in getting the proportions of these typologies “just right”, for attached and semi-attached typologies, subtle variations in proportion between individual dwellings allows for the creation of a visually interesting yet cohesive streetscape, which can be further emphasised by further articulation of end-of-terrace dwellings. 

Through careful consideration of how proportion can be applied across the multiple scales and aspects of architectural design - we can create visually appealing and harmonious buildings – all of which form a cohesive urban fabric that feels balanced, expressive, and timeless.