Mathematics and art may seem like two completely different fields, but when they come together, something truly amazing is created. From the intricate patterns in historical architecture to the designs on a quilt, mathematics plays a significant role in creating beauty. One such branch of mathematics that focuses on the creative aspect of visually manifesting mathematical expressions is geometry.
Geometry has been used throughout history to create some of the most beautiful patterns and designs. Take, for example, the historical architecture of Wells Cathedral, Alhambra Palace in Spain, and Sheikh Lutf Allah Mosque in Iran. These structures showcase the intricate designs created using geometry. But how are these designs created?
At Working Men’s College, we recognize the connection between maths and creativity. That’s why we encourage our students to explore the world of Islamic and other geometric patterns. In today’s post, we’ll take a closer look at Islamic patterns and how they are constructed.
Islamic patterns are created using repeated circles, squares, pentagons, and other polygons. These shapes are combined to create intricate patterns with a central motif – the Star. The star is created by dividing a circle into equal parts, and it is the foundation of all Islamic decorations.
In our first session, students recreated a motif/pattern from the Alhambra Palace using eight-fold symmetry. They learned how to draw the motif from a circle and then traced and transferred the design to create a masterpiece. This activity not only taught them about geometry and Islamic patterns, but it also allowed them to be creative and express themselves through art.
It is fair to say that Mathematics and art go hand in hand. Geometry is just one example of how mathematics can be used to create beauty. By exploring Islamic patterns and other geometric designs, students can develop their creativity while also learning valuable maths skills. So, next time you admire a beautiful pattern or design, remember that it was likely created using mathematics.
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