My topic of interest is architecture, and it can be defined as both art and science. This combination of the two makes it particularly fascinating for me. To design a building and embody its artistic vision, architects need to apply several aspects of mathematics, including geometry. What makes architecture especially remarkable is its effects on people and their lives. Today, it goes beyond merely providing shelter or a place of work. A logical layout within a building can positively impact productivity and even the mood of people working in it, whereas a non-functional space can result in individuals experiencing distress. In many ways, it is the unique implementation of mathematics that affects people who use a structure.
There are several aspects of mathematics that are connected with architecture. One of these aspects is geometry, and it can be viewed as the fundamental element of building design. Geometry is a branch of mathematics focused on studying different shapes, angles, and proportions and positions in a given space. According to Bellone et al. (2017), there has always been a link between geometry and architecture. However, if other aspects are applied in engineering and calculations of potential construction issues, geometry is used to ensure the space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing (Bellone et al., 2017). Architects use geometric forms to create visually pleasing spaces within and outside buildings and connect the form with the function (Bellone et al., 2017). Thus, a typical layout of a concert hall is only useful for occasions with many spectators. It is not practical to hold a one-on-one meeting or a medical procedure in such a space. Appreciating geometry and how different shapes can be combined to create new forms can help understand how to make a space functional and why people find certain structures more appealing than others.
Furthermore, geometry is applied in the process of designing buildings to ensure their safety and durability. The shapes of the supporting elements in a building play an essential role in how long it can last even in the harshest conditions. There is a specific pattern of different shapes being employed for diverse supporting structures. For example, rectangles are primarily used for foundations, whereas circular forms are utilized for pillars. Making a column or a foundation of a structure in the shape of a triangle is likely to lead to it being unsafe and unstable. Overall, the knowledge of various forms and how they can be combined is used in architecture to guarantee the safety of any construction.
Overall, architecture is a fascinating topic, specifically, from the point of view of mathematics and how it can affect the functionality and aesthetic allure of a building. The use of geometry for creating functional spaces is of distinct interest to me. A good design can help boost the productivity of people working or living in that structure and beneficially affect their well-being. I also would like to learn more about the utilization of non-Euclidean geometry in architecture and how it affects the functionality and visual appeal of various spaces. Specifically, it would be interesting to compare the Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries in the design of different constructions and examine whether they have a similar effect on buildings’ functionality and aesthetic appeal. It would also be interesting to compare the shapes used for supporting elements in structures built on principles of the Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries.
Reference
Bellone, T., Fiermonte, F., & Mussio, L. (2017). The common evolution of geometry and architecture from a geodetic point of view.International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 42(5), 623-630. Web.