Sacred geometryis defined on Wikipedia as “geometry used in the design of sacred architecture and sacred art.” The basic belief is that geometry and mathematical ratios, harmonics, and proportion are also found in music, light, and cosmology.
The term “sacred geometry” is used by archaeologists, anthropologists, and geometricians to encompass the religious, philosophical, and spiritual beliefs that have sprung up around geometry in various cultures during the course of human history.
Sacred geometry in essence is based on the idea of unity or oneness. The undivided single. It is everywhere – in all of us. It is the omnipresent unity. Sacred geometry is found in the patterns in nature. Nature’s first pattern is 13 circles. When you connect the centers of the 13 circles, it results in Metatron’s Cube.
Who was Metatron? Research points to Metatron as an archangel mentioned in ancient Islamic, Judaic, and Christian cultures. He is described as the scribe of god. Perhaps one who understood the root principles of creation?
Sacred geometric symbols found naturally are: the sphere, the most perfect of all natural symbols; water crystals; the nautilus; the starfish; the shape of our eyes; snowflakes; a spider’s web; and pine cones. These are just a few.
Scholars, artists, and architects from ancient times have recognized these symbols and used them in their art forms. The ancient Egyptian pyramids are one example. The symbol is known as a pentagram. (See
www.geometrycode.com)
These artists realized that the intentional use of these natural proportions expands our sense of beauty, balance, and harmony to optimal effect. Leonardo da Vinci used the principles of sacred geometry in his painting The Last Supper.
The golden mean and the golden rectangle are examples of sacred geometry. They represent “divine proportion”. A review of the architectural style, dimensions, and proportions of ancient buildings, churches, and temples will reveal the use of sacred geometry.
As a designer, how do we use sacred geometry? Are you familiar with the term? I wasn’t until very recently, and I’ve been designing for more than 30 years! But upon reflection, I realized that I have been using sacred geometry in my work without being aware that I was.
As designers, we begin our work with a mental concept. That mental concept takes shape, and through our knowledge, skill, expertise, and experience, we create and manifest the reality of interior design.
One needs only to review the basic principles of design to realize that the use of sacred geometry is fundamental to the success of our work.
Let’s review the golden mean and the golden rectangle. These represent the principles of proper proportion. The golden rectangle is the ratio of 2 parts to 3.
The golden mean is the division of a line somewhere between one-half and one-third. We are told in Design Theory 101 never to divide a line in half because multiples of thirds are more pleasing to the eye.
As designers, we use these theories when determining where and how to place our furniture, at what height to place the tieback on the draperies, and the proper height to hang the artwork. When creating tablescapes, we understand that the use of an odd number of accessories is more pleasing than an even number.
We use sacred geometry when creating arrangements of art and objects on a wall. The entire wall grouping should result in a geometric shape: a rectangle, circle, triangle, or square. We know that creating a diagonal line on a wall where diagonal movement does not exist in the architecture creates disharmony.
As designers, we strive for unity in our designs. We look for the focal point in the architecture, and if one does not exist, we create one. This is using sacred geometry. The basic principles of design are based on sacred geometry.
Here are the principles: proportion and scale; balance and rhythm; emphasis; and harmony or unity.
The elements of design are: texture; pattern; line; form or mass; and space, light, and color.
It is the successful employment of these aesthetic principles that create good design. I have often said that the successful room is one where, upon entry, one’s eye sweeps the room and comes to rest. If the eye does not “come to rest”, the design is not successful. The principles and elements of design have not been successfully incorporated, and the room will not function as well as it should; a guest will have a sense of “dis”-ease when present.
Consideration of the design’s function and its relationship to the environment and to people is paramount in the success of design. When we take all of these relationships into consideration we are utilizing sacred geometry. Whatever the design, its basic function should be to enrich people’s lives and enhance the human experience.
Good design is a long-term investment. The knowledge and application of the principles and elements of design is fundamental. They must become a part of our consciousness. Looking for balance, harmony, rhythm, and proportion in our daily lives and being conscious of how they interact and interrelate can and should help the designer develop a sense of harmony and understanding of the basic tenets of design.
Victoria Aubel Posey
Victoria Aubel Posey, founder and president of The Legacy Groups, is an award-winning interior designer with more than 30 years experience in the realm of interior design, providing full-service residential and commercial design services to prominent clients in the U.S. and abroad.
She has been an instructor of interior design at colleges in Maryland and Georgia. In 2005, she was named an Atlanta Designer of Distinction and was selected as one of the 50 most important interior designers in Georgia. Her work has been published in Spectacular Homes of Georgia as well as magazines, and she has been featured on HGTV. Travel abroad to England, Ireland, and Europe have added dimension and layering to her sophisticated, classic style, which has been compared to Nina Campbell and Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill.
Posey has designed the primary residences and vacation homes of corporate executives and professional athletes in the U.S. and abroad. She has handled projects for major corporations, schools, lawyers, doctors, medical complexes, and related healthcare facilities for senior citizens. Her work includes model homes and hospitality design, and she has worked closely with clients and builders on the architectural plans, interior design, and implementation for both custom and spec homes. She has been an active member of The Interior Design Society and the International Furnishings & Design Association and has served two terms as president of the exclusive Atlanta Designer’s Network. She also served as a member of The Institute of Classical Architecture/Classical America.
Her profile includes serving on an advisory panel for Helios Carpet and the Maryland General Assembly. She was director of interior design for a Maryland architectural and engineering firm, creating the Department of Interior Design. In 1999, Vicki participated in the prestigious and challenging Street of Dreams, winning Best Interior Design and Best of Show. In 2006, she chaired LDG’s work on charitable showcase homes for Atlanta Magazine’s Dream Home and The Roswell Woman’s Club. In 2009, Vicki was asked by Vision Magazine to be a judge in the Window Fashions Design Competition. November 2009 marked Legacy’s third show house: the Atlanta Holiday House with a stunning master bedroom and adjoining loggia.
In 2008, Vicki further expanded her vision by forming Legacy Linen Group, LLC, introducing The Bath Collection, a line of ready-made, extra-long designer shower curtains for the upscale consumer. Her collection is available via her website:
www.legacylinengroup.com.
LDG provides full-service interior design. The firm’s specialty is working with clients and builders from concept through turn-key, assuring the project is completed with attention to detail.
The company’s motto is "timeless interior design, creating tomorrow's legacies ...".