3D Thinking in Design and Architecture

The geometric foundations, forms and patterns in today’s architecture, design and decorative arts have been deeply influenced by past cultures. From humankind’s first path-like doodles on cave walls through to the higher abstractions developed to make accurate measurements and predictions, the three-dimensional forms we design and build are dependent upon available materials, human needs and the limitations of our imaginations. This unique sourcebook presents a history of the intimate relationship between geometry, mathematics and manmade design throughout human history, from the Neolithic period through the Indian, Egyptian, Babylonian, Chinese, Greek, Celtic, Islamic and Renaissance cultures, to the present and the possible future. Presenting key principles that can be applied across all design disciplines, Roger Burrows reveals fresh insights and ideas about how geometry as a visual language has evolved to meet our needs, initiated new technologies and changed the way we think about the world around us. With a wealth of original artworks by the author to explain his ideas, this book will be an essential reference resource for inspiration and information for students and design professionals. Table of ContentsIntroduction • 1. Visual Logic • Visual Logic Through Time • 2. Neolithic Geometries • 3. TheRiver Cultures • 4. The Americas • 5. The Pythagoreans • 6. European Tribal Geometry7. Geometries of the Early Islamic Period • 8. The Renaissance • Out of the Past – Into theFuture • 9. Modelling with Equations • 10. Fractals • 11. Shape-Changers • 12. DynamicCircles and Spheres • 13. The Future of 3D Geometry • 14. Additional Thoughts and Ideas