Abstract

What is the relation between mathematics and architecture? Modern architects use mathematical models and computers in their design processes. But also in much older buildings one can discover mathematical structures

In this workshop we focus on muqarnas: beautiful building blocks of (ancient) Islamic architecture, plentiful in Isfahan. We base ourselves on a mathematical and computational description of muqarnas as studied by Sylvia Harmsen in her PhD (supervised by Jan Hogendijk and Gerhard Reinelt)

The goal of the workshop is for the participants to design their own muqarnas dome. The design process will move from 2-dimensional tiling to 3-dimensional muqarnas using small scale tiles and muqarnas elements