As we have seen, geometry plays an important role in architecture. This article will go into more detail about how different types of geometries are used to achieve specific functions for buildings. There are also some interesting applications of geometric patterns that you may not know about.

If you’re looking to learn more about the uses of geometry in architectural design, there are many great sources out there. You can find geometry related information online and through classroom lessons.

There are even websites where you can create your own designs using geometry! All of these resources could help you become more familiar with this fundamental element of the field.

Geometric shapes such as squares, circles, triangles, and rhombuses are only part of what constitutes “geometry”. In fact, most architects use non-geometric shapes or lines instead of true geometrics when designing. These other elements play an integral part in giving shape to space within a building and establishing context.

This is why it is sometimes difficult to identify true examples of geometry in architecture – they might be hard to spot! Luckily, though, we have someone special here who has done just that for us - Michelangelo! He incorporated geometry into his work frequently and designed several iconic structures that still stand the test of time today.

He was so obsessed with creating repeated forms in space that he coined the term ‘fractal geometry’.

Compass and Grid

The next fundamental tool used in architecture is the compass. A compass has two markings, one that points north and one that points east. By taking notes of where your compasses land, you can determine which direction the North Star is and how to calculate angles using it as a reference.

The easiest way to remember this is by thinking about a triangle. The North Star forms a 90 degree angle with the eastern marker and the opposite vertex of the triangle is the west marker. This means that the northwest corner of any building or structure should be aligned with the North Star so that it receives at least a half-angle exposure during sunrise and sunset.

Another use for the compass is establishing grid lines within an area. Architectural grids are very important since they help establish proportions for the buildings being designed along with areas such as courtyards and gardens.

There are many ways to learn geometry, but the basics include ratios and proportionals. Ratios and proportions relate to each other because every ratio is just another name for proportional math. For example, a long line is a proportion of shorter length — therefore, longer lines are considered more dominant over shorter ones.

Mathematical Equations

The most basic way geometry is used in architecture is through mathematical equations. These equations are typically based on two geometric shapes or concepts, and they determine various features of that shape or concept.

Most commonly, an equation will calculate the perimeter of a given shape. Perimeters are just the sum of the distances between each side of a figure. By knowing the perimter, we can find several interesting things about a shape such as how wide it is, what part of the circle it resembles, etc.

Another common calculation is determining the area of a surface or volume. Areas are simply the ratio of the length and width of a thing multiplied together, while volumes are determined by multiplying height, depth, and width.

Other more advanced equations look at relationships between different parts of a shape to determine characteristics like proportion or symmetry. Proportion looks at how much bigger one portion is with respect to another, while symmetry determines whether there is an equal amount of left and right sides, front and back, or both.

When these proportions and symmetries are repeated throughout a design, it gives the illusion of cohesion within the structure, making it aesthetically pleasing.