Scale (size)
The scale ratio of a model represents the proportional ratio of a linear dimension of the model to the same feature of the original. Examples include a 3-dimensional scale model of a building or the scale drawings of the elevations or plans of a building. In such cases the scale is dimensionless and exact throughout the model or drawing.

The scale can be expressed in four ways: in words (a lexical scale), as a ratio, as a fraction and as a graphical (bar) scale. Thus, on an architect’s drawing one might read “one centimetre to one metre,” or, 1:100, or 1/100, and a bar scale would also normally appear on the drawing.

Description sourced from Designing Buildings Ltd..

Scale (ratio)
In very general terms 'scale' refers to an object’s size in relationship to another object. For example, the components of a building may be designed so they are at a human scale, i.e. they are comfortable to use, are functional and anthropometric. Typically, architecture deals with different types of scale:

• Human scale: The human interaction with environments based on physical dimensions, capabilities and limits. Buildings can be designed with greater or lesser adherence to the concepts of human scale depending on the concept and purpose of the building.
• Intimate scale: This is a smaller, more personal scale.
• Monumental scale: This is much larger than human scale and is intended to be impressive, e.g. public buildings, memorials, religious buildings, and so on.
• Proportion: This refers to the relative size of parts of a whole, the relationship between two things of different size.

The term scale is also used to describe the relationship between a depiction of a building, object, area of land etc. compared to its actual size. Depictions are typically drawings or physical models. Drawing accurately to scale, and being able to shift between scales, is a fundamental skill of architectural drawing and spatial design.

Description sourced from Wikipedia. Image sourced from Wikipedia.

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