Theatre Design & Technology - Summer 1981 - 32

Many designers use a model rather than a rendering to express a sculptural approach to scene design. Other designers
do not possess the graphic skills to deal with environmental
scenic concepts. The model has also become popular because conventional photography and scenic rendering are
limited to a less than 60° angle of view while environmental
designs require a wider angle of view.
The model would replace perspective, but it is not entirely
satisfactory as a tool for designing environmental scenery.
The model, though popular, has at least five limitations: 1) The
scale model cannot surround the viewer because it is necessarily too small; 2) It presents binocular distortion because the
distance between the eyes is far greater in proportion to the
model than it would be in the theatre; 3) It invites the viewer to
change his relationship to the model while viewing, even
though the patron in the theatre is stationary; 4) The scale
model cannot show tonal atmosphere because scenery is presented as an object rather than as an image; 5) Finally, a precise and skillfully executed model tends to distract the viewer
from considering problems of full scale scenery. The details in
a miniature are esthetically satisfying in themselves, beguiling
the viewer into ignoring the perceptual limitations already
mentioned. In contrast to the model, a drawing of the proposed scenery is not perceived as a miniature of a larger object. The drawing is perceived as an image; the viewer determines scale in a drawing by the relationship of shapes.
Cylindrical perspective can be a useful alternative both to
the model and to planar perspective. It can offer a coherent
panoramic view six times the width of the 60° planar perspective that is still a true perspective image.
Cylindrical perspective is generally not considered, except
theoretically, when the limitations of planar perspective become a problem. Leonardo da Vinci produced the first diagram explaining the limitations of projecting wide angle views
on a planar surface and others since have made additional explanations of limitations of wide angle perspective.
A vista of five cubes shows a comparison of angles of view
(Fig. 1). The plan and three respective station points are superimposed on their perspective projections. The cubes in the
90° projection appear deeper than wide and are, as a result,
unacceptable as a design drawing of a row of cubes. The
cubes in the 45° and 25° projections are both acceptable depending on the designer's preference. The 45 ° is perhaps
more acceptable to modern viewers, while the 25° angle of
view may have been more acceptable to Renaissance audiences. The 45° angle of view is roughly equivalent to a standard lens, while the 25° angle of view is the photographic
counterpart of the medium telephoto or portrait lens.

Cylindrical Perspective:
An Alternative to the Model Whel

Figure 1

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Theatre Design & Technology

USITT /Summer, 1981

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Summer 1981