Dimensions Quote by Massimo Vignelli
“Scale is extremely important. Scale is not dimensions. Dimensions are physical and scales are mental.”
About This Quote
Scale refers to mental magnitude, not physical size; dimensions are physical.
In simple terms: Scale is mental, dimensions are physical.
Key Takeaway
Distinguish mental scope from physical size.
Themes
design
philosophy
perception
Mood
reflective
insightful
design-oriented
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- product design
- architecture
- branding
- visual communication
Key Concepts
mental models
physical measurement
Questions to Reflect On
- How does mental scale influence your creative process?
- When might physical dimensions dominate decisions?
A Different Perspective
Confusing scale with dimensions can lead to design errors.
![“Leave a cavity behind the [wall] facings, and on the inside build walls two feet thick, made of red dimension stone or burnt brick or lava in courses, and then bind them to the fronts by means of iron clamps and lead. The beds and builds, all settling equally and bonded at the joints, will not let…” quote by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d76/marcus-vitruvius-pollio-7498_bed_leave-a-cavity-behind-the-wall-facings-a_5922.jpg)
