3D Thinking in Design and Architecture

Book excerpt: A new interdisciplinary perspective on architecture and geometry—from Athenian Ruins to the Chrysler building The geometric foundations, forms, and patterns in today’s architecture, design and, decorative arts can trace their origins in 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 have always been dependent on available materials, human needs, and the limits of our imaginations. 3D Thinking in Design and Architecture tells the story of the intimate relationship between geometry, mathematics and man-made 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, design expert Roger Burrows relates 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 artwork by the author to explain his ideas, this book will be an essential reference and source of inspiration for students and design professionals.