The recent study of complexity and patterns (fractals) via physics has relevance to architecture. A fascinating path by way of Nikos A. Salingaros, Mathematics Professor at the University of Texas in an article entitled "Architecture, Patterns and Mathematics" theorizes that: "Man's visual system is especially receptive to patterns." In Salingaros' treatise patterns are defined as "regularity in some dimension" and that mathematics is a science of patterns. Thus I began to see how mathematics, patterns and gestalt psychology began to intertwine and be applied to architecture. The paper referred to mankind's need to "generate patterns out of some basic inner need" and applying basic psychology we might ask, are human beings insecure in a perceived wildly chaotic universe? If the answer is yes, then does architecture fulfill man's craving for meaning? And if symmetry and patterns are preferred or considered 'beautiful' does this conversely imply that random design, empty walls, little colour, no pattern be judged as non-preferable or even 'ugly'?
Salingaros informs us that historically architects were mathematicians and that the two disciplines were indistinguishable. The Medieval stonemasons had a strong understanding of Platonic philosophy, proportion and mathematics and to them all their work was grounded in the ancient Pythagorean maxim "all is number." Studying the Gothic structures geometry and mathematics are completely woven into the structure's physical features. Ancient Classical cultures and Western European Renaissance architect mathematicians designed their structures with patterns in mind and thus the structures themselves reflected processes which are inherent in the human mind. see also gestalt
Comments