When you think about the magnificent
Parthenon, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? It’s probably the majestic
rows of upright columns, all in a straight line. But there is a hidden secret
to these lines that casual observation cannot reveal. These rows of straight
columns are actually not straight. They are gently curved. But why would the
ancient Greek architects design the Parthenon in this way? What secret did they
know that we do not? They were aware of an optical phenomenon called barrel
distortion which is caused by the
natural curve of our eyes, and makes flat
features actually appear curved. So when they created this wonderful
masterpiece, they built it slightly curved and elevated in the center to make
it appear straight in our eyes. The Taj Mahal is another architectural marvel
that holds this hidden secret. Its four towers lean slightly outward by 5
degrees, yet appear perfectly upright. These two have become symbols of grace,
balance, and symmetry, and are among many other examples of how master
designers in the East and the West designed for our naturally curved eyes.