Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 8(3), pp. 258 - 267
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2020.080308
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The Role of Mathematics in Architecture and Fine Arts: A Historical Overview, Problems and Prospects

J. Venetis ^*
School of Applied Mathematics and Physical Sciences, NTUA, Section of Mechanics, Athens, Greece

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the author investigates the role and contribution of pure and applied mathematics to architecture and fine arts in a unified manner. To this end, a thorough and explanatory historical overview of this diachronic and interdisciplinary topic, from the ages of ancient Mediterranean cultures to the so-called western civilization of the late twentieth century is presented. In this framework, the author first examines the fundamental role of traditional mathematics (e.g. Descriptive and Projective Geometry) in architectural design and fine arts, and in the sequel the discussion extends to the outstanding contribution of modern and computational mathematics (NURBS, Fractals, Boolean matrices, Graph Theory, etc.) to these issues. Besides, the important role of computer-aided design (CAD) is mentioned and emphasized. Indeed, CAD is an exceptional scientific and technological achievement, the scientific background of which is essentially a combination of Informatics, Discrete Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry. In addition, various existing problems that sometimes hinder the application of the science of mathematics to architecture and the fine arts are highlighted and demonstrated. Finally, given that the most appropriate mathematical background for the graduate studies in architectural schools along with the schools of fine arts is a very difficult and rather questionable issue, some suggestions are made in order to encourage and strengthen the relationship among applied mathematics, architecture and fine arts.

KEYWORDS
Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Descriptive Geometry, Projective Geometry, NURBS, Fractals, Boolean Matrices, Architecture, Fine Arts

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] J. Venetis , "The Role of Mathematics in Architecture and Fine Arts: A Historical Overview, Problems and Prospects," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 258 - 267, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2020.080308.

(b). APA Format:
J. Venetis (2020). The Role of Mathematics in Architecture and Fine Arts: A Historical Overview, Problems and Prospects. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 8(3), 258 - 267. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2020.080308.