Architecture Commons^™

Geometry Through Architectural Design, Maureen T. Carroll, Elyn Rykken

LASER Journal

In her 1912 geometry book, Mabel Sykes surveys complex and beautiful architectural designs from around the world to inspire exercises on geometric proof, construction and computation. In over 1800 exercises, Sykes analyzes geometric patterns from ornamental and structural features found in tile mosaics, parquet floors, Gothic windows, trusses and arches. As Sykes' writes, ``Geometry gives, as no other subject can give, an appreciation of form as it exists in the material world" . We have chosen four examples to illustrate how her appealing designs and the accompanying exercises of this hidden gem can be incorporated into any geometry course.