Sacred Geometry and Its Artistic Significance

Sacred geometry is at the heart of a thousand years of art and architecture as represented in mosques, temples, and churches around the world. Stunning in their search of perfection amid countless symmetries, the art achieves a beauty inspired by its divine motivations.

On a more practical side, sacred art represents an excellent application of the principles of geometry as illustrated by Euclid in the Elements. Countless constructions and theorems first discovered by the ancient Greek mathematicians are carefully merged with craftsmanship to produce murals, paintings, and mosaics of infinite variety.

Origins and Development of Sacred Geometry

This book grew out of a set of workshops done primarily through the Monterey Bay Area Math Project over the last several years. The book begins with a discussion of compass-straightedge constructions of polygons and the variety of regular and semi-regular tilings.

Polygon-in-Contact Method and Islamic Geometric Patterns

The Polygon-in-Contact method, as initially documented in the Topkapi Scrolls and further developed by contemporary scholars and artists, is introduced as a method of generating traditional Islamic Geometric patterns. Many examples are illustrated with varying degrees of complexity suitable for all age groups.

In addition to developing traditional patterns, the methods shown illustrate areas of generalization constrained only by students' imagination.