Assignment 2 - Sources on Aspects of Design

1. ‘A review of the presence and use of fractal geometry in architectural design’

Citation: Joye, Yannick. Environment & planning B, Planning & Design, 2011 Sept., v.38, n.5, p.814-828 

Abstract: Although references to fractals in architecture are made frequently, to date a systematic, encompassing, scholarly treatment of the use and presence of this geometrical language in architecture is missing. Often such references are made only cursorily and give a limited view on the possible cross-fertilizations between fractal geometry and architecture. In this paper an attempt is made to remedy this, aiming to present a systematic review of the use and presence of fractal geometry in architecture. The paper starts off with a short introductory section. In section 2 some of the theoretical basics about fractal geometry are reviewed. On the basis of this, possible interpretations of the concept 'fractal architecture' and the problems associated with them are made explicit and discussed. In section 3 a review of the different ways in which fractal geometry has been related to architecture is presented. Section 4 touches upon quantitative methods to analyze the fractal aspects of architecture. The fifth section is a discussion of a number of methods and heuristics based on fractal geometry to create architectural work. In the final section, possible explanations for the (apparent) perennial interest in fractal form in architecture are discussed.

2. ‘Architectural Geometry as Design Knowledge’

Citation: Pottmann, Helmut. Architectural design, 2010 July-Aug., v.80, n.4, p.72-77

Abstract: With the onset of digital design, the author 'describes how geometry not only has the potential to inform a more exciting generative approach for architects, but can also make design much more construction aware for the whole design team, enabling a whollly digital workflow from design to fabrication.'

3. ‘Contemporary Geometry for the built design?’

Citation: Hyde, Stephen T. Architectural theory review: journal of the Department of Architecture, the University of Sydney, 2010 Aug., v.15, n.2, p.110-124

Abstract: 'Architects stand to gain much from study of the spectacular advances in geometry in recent decades, such as the growing understanding of cellular patterns in space, tiles, nets and curved surfaces.'