INTRODUCTION
Welcome to module 7. Geometric Designs. Here you will come to know that geometry
can help enhance one’s artistic prowess as well as enrich one’s own culture.
Module 7: Geometric Designs
Overview
Our everyday life means constantly interacting with different objects, which resemble
various shapes, from basic to abstract ones. What’s interesting about shapes is that
they can make us feel a certain way. This means that you can use them to create
graphic design materials that evoke particular emotions. The activities in this module
will help to reinforce many important mathematical skills such as accurate measuring
and constructing, visual problem solving and strategic forward planning.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Apply geometric concepts especially isometries in describing and creating
designs.
2. Contribute to the enrichment of the Filipino culture and arts using concepts in
geometry.
Geometric Design
Geometric design is composed of geometric patterns. It is a collection of shapes,
repeating or altered to create a cohesive design. Hence, different shapes can evoke
different meanings. According to Siddanth Pillai, the most common shapes –
rectangles, circles, triangles, rhombuses and hexagons – can be broken down into
something like this:
Rectangles/Squares: Balance and Tradition
Circles: Infinity, Protection, and femininity
Triangles: Stability, Energy, and Aggression
Rhombus: Vibrant and Contemporary
Hexagon: Unity and Balance
Combining these shapes in different ways can create entirely new meanings. For
example, creating something out of rectangles and triangles could emphasize a
call to return to tradition.
Look at the family of symmetrical curves below, one of which is featured in Farris’
book as a “mystery curve”:
Each of these curves has an ordered pair of numbers associated with it, shown at
the lower left of the curve. These two numbers determine the type of symmetry and
complexity exhibited by a curve, and a simple mathematical relationship between
the two numbers is required to generate the curve’s pleasant symmetry.
In the second question below, I’ll give you the precise way these numbers are used
to generate their curve. Without looking ahead, ponder these numbers and try to
get an intuitive sense of how the curves change as the numbers do. Then look at
curves A and B below and see if you can match them to the correct pairs of
numbers, from the 10 choices given. Give your reasons for choosing your
particular pairs and describe what you think the relatioship between the two
numbers.
1. (5, −19) 2. (6, −19) 3. (7, −17) 4. (7, −12) 5. (7, −19)
6. (8, −20) 7. (8, −12) 8. (8, −13) 9. (8, −19) 10. (6, −24)
Anyone can generate the above curve – use your favorite graphing app, or enter
the above expression into Wolfram Alpha or the excellent graphic calculator
Desmos. Now start playing with the parameters- change the coefficients, fiddle with
the signs, do anything you want using sine and cosine terms. Go wild! It’s like
having a magic Spirograph whose pen never slips. Try to come up with the most
pleasing curves you can.
Types of Shapes in Design
Sometimes the best way to create a compelling design means reducing it to its
most basic shapes. Simplicity may be the answer. There are three main shapes
you can use in your designs:
1. Geometric Shapes
Probably the most commonly used geometric shapes are the circles, squares,
triangles, pentagons, hexagons, or octagons are instantly recognizable. They
are so familiar to us because we started seeing and drawing them since we
were kids. In kindergarten, we learned shapes through play before we learned
shapes through play before we learned about letters, so it’s only natural to feel
acquainted and drawn to something we’re used to.
2. Organic Shapes
Opposite to geometric shapes, these are asymmetrical, or imperfect but
necessary and comforting shapes encountered in nature. Everything that was
created naturally can fall into this category, such as leaves, rocks, or clouds.
Rarely, theses shapes can be human-made, like ink blobs.
3. Abstract Shapes
These illustrate organic forms or everyday objects, even though they are not an
exact representation. For example, a stick figure is an abstract shape depicting
a person, or typographic glyphs can illustrate letters.
Patterns and Isometries
Exercise 7
1. Create your own designs by applying geometric concepts. You can use the
templates presented in this module. You can use colors make your designs
pleasing to the eyes of the audience.
a. Curves of pursuit
b. Celtic Knotwork
c. Impossible objects
d. Drawing a Cardioid
SUMMARY
Geometric designs are more potent than you’d think. Through them you can easily
convey certain emotions and feelings. Hence, it can help enhance one’s artistic
prowess as well as enrich one’s own culture. The key is to know what type of shapes
can help you achieve your goal and use them accordingly in your designs. Basically,
everything in this world can be simplified and brought to simple shape. If you manage
to master the basics of the shapes, you’ll get the cubist out of you. Now it’s time for
you to put into practice what you’ve learned today.
FEEDBACK
Through the use of illustration/sample, the lesson is clearly and concisely presented
for the students to have a total picture of the lesson.
SUGGESTED READINGS
Geometry, Shapes, Patterns, and Designs (A Chapter for the New Edition of
the Math 12 textbooks for Ateneo de Manila University) by Vistro- Yu
Palapas by Nochessada