Geometry And new future spatial patterns
Helmut Pottmann


Abstract:

Geometric patterns have fascinated mankind since ancient times. Artists had an excellent understanding of the generation principles of patterns, long before mathematicians devoted deep studies to this subject. Contemporary architecture generates a stunning variety of new designs and spatial patterns, but architects do not always have the right tools at their disposal to realize such structures. We consider it a challenging and exciting task for mathematicians to bridge the gap between design and construction and devise new fabrication-aware design tools for the architectural application. In the present paper, we mainly focus on recent research which is motivated by the realization of complex architectural freeform shapes. There, patterns arise naturally through the layout of panels and by supporting structures associated with freeform geometry. Especially on large seamless surfaces, the generation of panel patterns is challenging since it is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also heavily influenced by material and manufacturing constraints.

Bibtex:

@article{pottmann-2009-ad,
    title = "Geometry and new and future spatial patterns",
    author = "Helmut Pottmann",
    journal = {Architectural Design},
    year = 2009,
    volume = 79,
    number = 6,
    pages="60-65",
}

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