Studies of Geometry Integrated in Architectural Projects

C. Leopold ; A. Matievits

Journal for geometry and graphics, Tome 5 (2001) no. 2, pp. 181-192.

Résumé

Geometry plays the role of a basic science in engineering, especially in architecture. In the past years the importance of geometry was pushed back because of a wrong estimation of new technologies like CAD. Geometry researchers and teachers failed to convince the practical engineers of the importance of geometrical reasoning, even in the use of computerised methods. This paper will show the concept of an integrated teaching of geometry in architectural projects which is able to point out the importance of geometry in practising architecture as well as in the use of new technologies. Descriptive Geometry turns out not to be an antiquated science but a current one. In our integrated geometry concept we start with the architectural project that leads us to geometrical problems to be solved. The experiences with project-oriented studies for students of architecture in their major courses at our university in the past years are presented in this paper. In the examples like developing geometrical forms, projection methods for representations of architecture, photoreconstruction and photomontage, we reflect the way from the geometrical task, arising from the design project, to the geometrical solution.