Connecting Design to Mathematics
Mathematics is a useful tool; it can increase productivity or be used to define an environment, space, or objects. As a developed society in the educated world, we assume our children to obtain this knowledge through practically each year of shcooling; some study it more intensive than others and perhaps even make a living out of it. Whether or not some people make a profession out of it, there is this base of knowledge in mathematics everyone is ought to have been educated on. With this, we can estimate solutions to such every day problems like how much of something we need to buy...how long it will take to get somewhere...etc. It helps us organize our lives.
Regarding certain design processes, an organization base is key using mathematics. For example, many people use Geometry as a foundation to create QUILTS. Quilts of all sizes and designs are constructed using geometry. Consider the following process:
You can see the seperate steps in creating this design. Variables are added in each step, or lines in this case. At step 3, there is a distinctive step forward to a 3rd dimension. By adding more lines (as variables), we can now depict layers upon layers; more dinstinctively in the last step. The designs are also very subjective; where one person might perceive a layer or point on the graphic to be in the background of the image while another person might perceive the same point to be in the foreground. Its subjective qualities are what make it interesting and an even more interesting point is the fact that mathematics are meant to be completely objective; obviously not in this visual case.
Among contrasting cultures or countries emerge different framework behind creating these patchworks. English patchwork is focused on tessellations; squares and hexagons while American work is usually based on patterns in a square that are added to one another; hence, multiple ways to perceive mathematics within one practice of design.
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