The Golden Section is an Orthogon called the Auron.
The golden section can be constructed from a square with a compass and ruler:
This is the most commonly known of twelve orthogons which can be constructed using this technique. Among orthogons, the golden section is known as the auron, coming from the root “aur,” meaning gold.
Orthogons provide a system of design that for centuries has allowed artists and artisans to create consistent, harmonious themes without the need for complicated calculations or measuring devices. Examples of orthogons include:
| | | |
Auron (Golden Section) | Diagon | Quadriagon | Hemidiagon |
1/2 + √5/2 =1.618 … = Phi | √2 =1.414… | 1/2 + √2/2 =1.207… | √5/2 =1.118… |
Height to width ratio |
Insights on orthogons provided by Valrie Jensen. See additional information on the application of orthogons to the principles of design at her site, Timeless by Design.