Man as the Measure

Using human proportion in design is an old tradition that has been around since the times of the Ancient Egyptians. The resonance of these systems may be based on the human capacity to readily recognise biological proportions, but it is difficult to say, as most systems using human proportion are also based on numeric systems that have their own claims to resonance. In many cases, the proportions of the body are slightly altered to match the expected proportions, occasionally with a claim to being measurements of a "perfect" body as opposed to the average one.

Vitruvius III.i

Egyptian (King Pepi -- "Body held geometric essence (seed) for the entire manifestation")

Renaissance Man -- []Leonardo, []Giorgio, []Cesariano

The Golden Section in Biological Proportions

[]Le Modulor Man