There is precision in any metric system for any measurement. Precision is achievable on any system. I believe that it is not a valid argument, to use Corbusier as a reference could call any other architect on his/ her preference for a measurement system.
Architecture was born using proportions, sequences, math, and nature.
How do we design any space? It should be in human proportions like in the ancestral beginning, like thousands of years of practice. Is a shame to have lost the sense of dimensional proportions.
architecture is not a technical discussion, we are creating something with enormous consequences for the occupants of every physical space that we build.
This discussion should not be about the kind of measuring tape we should use, we should discuss how we can improve the experience through the space for all the buildings we make. Measuring tapes have both systems on them, in the same way, we should use the same analogy to integrate our thoughts and ideas. Is not what is better the question is how can we use both to improve our buildings.
A room with dimensions: 13x12 ft or: 3.96x3.65 m which dimension makes more sense ???
The same way: 3.5 cm or 1" 3/8?
Maybe we can use [ mm or cm ] for small things and [ ft ] for big areas. Why we should choose? both have advantages we can use both, and we should; with all the technological advances in machines, tools, and software we don't have to choose, we can explore ways to improve architecture in more creative ways. Fighting for who is right on any preference brings war, taking the best of all parts using their best qualities, brings evolution.
MC
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Mauricio Cardenas
MTX Architecture
Houston TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-14-2024 06:08 PM
From: Jose Alfano
Subject: When to change into SI Units?
The issue concerning the unitary measure metric VS imperial is to my mind more about the way building material is nominally identified and utilized - imperial nomenclature for example the 2 x 4 isn't a 2" x 4" anything it's 1.5"x 3.5" and used to be 1"7/8 x 3"7/8 and a 2" pipe depending on its material and use can be neither 2" outside diameter or inside - in Australia we use 90x45 timber studs as a metricised 2x4 ply wood is 1200 x 2400mm by 12 mm not really embracing the metric system
in Germany one would be most likely using a 100 x 50 mm which actually measures 100 and 50 mm which is very helpful when building and designing -
coubusier identified his critical module as 1 cm
which must be more precise than 1"
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Jose Alfano AIA
Alfano Pty Ltd / Alfano Studio Architects
Somers
Original Message:
Sent: 05-11-2024 07:24 AM
From: Robert Eisenstat
Subject: When to change into SI Units?
I have had experience in metric in the UK and Brazil, but most of my experience is with feet and inches. The beauty of metric is how measurements in length and weight are so directly connected. However, as a professor of mine at the Polytechnic of Central London pointed out, the fact that the English system units are divisible by 2, 3, 4, and 6 as compared to just 2 and 5 with metric offers many advantages in proportion and modulation.
Rob Eisenstat, FAIA
Sent from my iPhone
Original Message:
Sent: 5/10/2024 8:54:00 AM
From: Ignacio Correa-Ortiz AIA
Subject: RE: When to change into SI Units?
I grew up with the metric system which is derived from a division of the circumference of the globe. It was necessary and convenient at the time of the era of Enlightenment to unify different measuring systems into the base unit of measurement that created the SIU (Système international d'unités). I became an architect using the metric system. When I came to the US in the eighties for graduate school I immediately fell in love with the Imperial System of Units because by being anthropocentric, in my mind it was more relatable for architecture. And yet, I dislike the term Imperial and few people know it is also called the Exchequer Standard, so I refer to the system as feet-and-inches and I like to use when I design.
Ignacio Correa-Ortiz AIA, AICP CUD
Original Message:
Sent: 5/9/2024 4:34:00 PM
From: Jason D. Holland AIA
Subject: RE: When to change into SI Units?
Metric systems follow the same principle as the "modular" system you mentioned. Building material sizes are adapted accordingly, i.e. the 4' x 8' drywall sheet is simply 1.2m x 2.4m and stud spacing follows standard spacing that matches the material.
It's a too shortsighted argument to say that the US can't change because the studs won't line up if we just rename a 4'x8' standard measurement to its a metric equivalent. A far more nuanced argument is the massive system change required to now make the change a reality and the time/money cost associated with it.
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Jason Holland AIA
STUDIO DOHO
Shanghai
Original Message:
Sent: 05-09-2024 10:07 AM
From: Ahmed Aich
Subject: When to change into SI Units?
The USA is unlikely to adopt the metric system due to the modular nature of our empirical system, such as the common 2x4 measurements. For instance, a standard sheet of drywall measuring 4' x 8' aligns perfectly with studs spaced at 16" on center. However, if measurements were in metric, the drywall wouldn't align with the studs. Despite the metric system often being included in parenthesis, it remains impractical for the construction industry in the USA.
If you have questions, feel free to call us anytime.
Thank you,
Ahmed H. Aich - AIA.
Plan Examiner / Building Inspector
Development Services Department
Village of Orland Park 14700 Ravinia Avenue | Orland Park, Illinois 60462
Ph. 708.403.6223 | aaich@orlandpark.org
P Think Green - please do not print this email unless necessary.
Original Message:
Sent: 5/3/2024 12:42:00 PM
From: Hiroki Miyauchi AIA
Subject: When to change into SI Units?
The Global Practice Committee / US architects should discuss when and how to quit using outdated feet and inches and join the rest of the world with SI units.
Gov. Civil, and engineering and most of the rest US trades are with SI, but architecture / Construction industries
Hiroki Miyauchi, AIA
hmiyauchi@gmail.com
714.721.7727
Newport Beach, CA, USA
&
Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan