As we know, architects are trained in how to use geometry to help create spaces for buildings. They also learn about proportion and balance which play an important part in creating aesthetically pleasing shapes and environments.

However, there is another fundamental tool used by architects that goes beyond these concepts – geometrical figures or patterns. This article will discuss some examples of this and what they mean.

Geometric Figures

There are many different types of geometric figure. Some are more widely known than others, but all have one thing in common – they consist of nothing but lines!

Some people may call them ‘shapes’ instead, but it does not matter what term you choose to describe them, they all refer to the same concept – repeated line segments.

Common figures include squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagons and circles. More complex structures can be made out of combinations of these basic ones. For example, a triangle with a circle inside is called a trinity.

Here are some examples:

This picture shows several trinities, starting with two triangles within a larger square shape. The whole pattern is referred to as a rhombus (diamond shaped) quadrille.

And here is another example, three parallel lines within a rectangle make a trellis pattern. These are both described as grids.

Many times, artists and craftsmen put together elaborate designs using only repetition of simple forms.

Architectural geometry

The term “architectural geometry” refers to the use of shapes, lines, colors, textures, and patterns in building design that have special significance. These designs often echo other forms or feel familiar to viewers- you know what they look like and how they fit together.

Architects use architectural geometrics for many reasons, such as to create harmony, balance, and unity among color, shape, and pattern elements. They also use it to establish mood, emphasize certain features, add sophistication, and promote perception and interpretation.

It is very common to find examples of architectural geometrics in buildings and landscapes across all cultures and historical periods. Some people even say that every living thing has some sort of geometric pattern embedded within its structure!

There are several types of architectural geometrics, but one of the most popular uses is for decoration. For instance, if a roof crenellation (aka battlements) looks cool, then an architect might make their own roofs feature this pattern. Or maybe there’s a recurring line motif throughout a room or space? An interior designer would probably use those pieces in decorations or furniture.

Another type is called parallelism, where two lines or planes meet at a right angle, creating a sense of closure. A classic example is the way two vertical columns meet at the top in a classical column layout.

Principles of geometry

The study of shapes and how to describe their outlines is called geometry. There are several different types of geometries, but all begin with defining shape or space!

Geometric patterns are everywhere around us. You would not believe how many things have geometric patterns as shapes- plants grow in geometric clusters, some butterflies have elaborate patterned wings, and even some animals such as elephants have rounded, symmetrical bodies.

It is easy to see that most fruits and vegetables have repeated shapes- squares, triangles, circles, and so on. This makes sense because they need to absorb and redirect energy waves from the sun for photosynthesis (the process plants use to consume carbon dioxide).

Architects also rely heavily on geometry in designing buildings and landscapes. For example, an architect might choose to place his/her house next to a large body of water to achieve a certain look he/she wants. Or they may want to create a “U” shaped building to maximize natural light exposure during daytime hours.

There are five main principles of Euclidey geometry that play important roles in shaping architectural designs. Read on to learn more about them!

1. Parallel lines

A parallel line is one that does not get closer or further away from another line. All lines drawn along parallel edges will always be the same distance apart.

These parallel lines can be vertical or horizontal. Two examples where you will often find parallels are windows and doors.

Three-dimensional space

There are many ways to understand what geometry is, but one of the most basic definitions is that it’s everything we use shapes for. Shapes can be lines or circles, squares or triangles, spheres or cones. All matter has shape, so using shapes to describe geometric concepts is very important!

Geometrical forms come in all sizes. Even if you cannot see the whole thing at once, you can often piece together parts to get an idea of how big something is. This process is called approximation.

Approximation is when you take your mind’s eye and make mental pictures out of incomplete information. For example, when you look around you, you are approximating the size of spaces by taking into account things like distances between objects and the amount of empty area you can see.

In architecture, this applies particularly well to the study of proportion. When someone points out an element they do not think looks right under a given set of proportions, you have to check whether there are any rules about why that is. These “why” rules are usually referred to as ratios.

Ratios are just another way to say proportion. A ratio compares two different elements side by side, and then says how much more of one than the other one is. So, a rule with a 1:1 (or equal) ratio means each part is the same size as the other one.

Two-dimensional space

A key part of architecture is using two dimensional (2D) space to create three dimensional (3D) spaces. This happens when you put walls up or floors down, for example.

Architects use lines and shapes in their designs to achieve this. For instance, an architect may design a house with a square floor plan.

This means that there are four equal sized rooms in one area of the house, and these rooms connect to each other via a corridor or hallway. By changing the height of a wall, the size of the room it encloses changes!

To give your brain a break, try doing some geometric drawing or pattern designing. These concepts can be done easily in any software such as Google SketchUp or Microsoft PowerPoint.

Parallel lines

One of the most fundamental shapes used in architecture is that of a parallel line. These are lines that do not get closer or further apart as they go farther away from each other.

Any two lines that are both parallel to each other are called supporting parallels. In order to show how important these parallels are, take a look at the following example.

In this picture, there are three different sets of supporting parallels. Notice how every one of those parallel lines create an area for your eye to rest in or be distracted by. This creates a sense of balance and closure which helps tell the story of the building’s intended purpose.

If you were to draw only one set of supporting parallels here, then the structure would feel incomplete. It would leave out part of the space where people could focus their attention.

Architects use supporting parallels in several ways. The first way is creating fluid areas outside of buildings such as balconies or terraces. By having these areas, people can relax and enjoy the view more easily.

Another way parallel lines help tell a story is through proportion. Let’s say there was a very thin vertical wall in a room with no windows. If we drew some supporting horizontals next to it, then it would no longer seem like a solid wall.

It would instead give off the impression that there is something beyond it, making us wonder what else the builder wanted to conceal.

Perpendicular lines

An architect uses perpendicular lines in their designs to create balance or symmetry. For example, if your house has an open concept living room/kitchen area, then one way to emphasize this space is by having parallel walls in the kitchen that are lined up with the wall next to the dining table.

These types of parallels break up the space and give the feeling of separation between the two areas. This also creates more usable space in the kitchen, as you do not have to worry about wasting space due to lack of doors or closed off areas.

Architects use these types of per-parallel lines throughout their design process.