Geometry Concepts in Architectural Design
Cornelie M . R . Leopold2006
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Abstract
The relationship between geometry and architectural design are described and discussed along some examples. Geometry is the fundamental science of forms and their order. Geometric figures, forms and transformations build the material of architectural design. In the history of architecture geometric rules based on the ideas of proportions and symmetries formed fixed tools for architectural design. Proportions were analyzed in nature and found as general aesthetic categories across nature and art. Therefore proportions such as the golden section were seen as the power to create harmony in architecture as well as in art and music. According Pythagoras there were general principles for harmony. They were also applied in architecture and they found a further development especially in the renaissance. Leon Battista Alberti integrated such general harmonic proportion rules in his theory of architecture and realized them in his buildings. To find general principles of harmony in the world w...
Key takeaways
- In the following we will analyze the role of geometry in the architectural design processes through several examples along history of architecture.
- The notion of harmony is seen as a fundamental principle of composition in history of architecture.
- Another fundamental notion in the history of architecture is the concept of symmetry closely connected with the idea of harmony.
- Geometry rather provides the geometrical understanding of space as a background for architecture.
- The relationship between architectural design and geometry starts with the notion of harmony as the principle for all sciences and creations.
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