Symmetry in Structures and Aesthetics
Grade 7 Science: Structures and Mechanisms
(Form and Function)
I can describe how symmetry affects form and
function in structures.
The shape of an object helps us identify it
and distinguish it from other objects. One
aspect of shape is symmetry (a term used in
art and math as well!).
Symmetry:
an exact reflection on opposite
sides of a line dividing an object in half.
Line of symmetry:
a line that divides an
object in half; helps display symmetry
Where is the line of symmetry in these
objects?
Symmetry is an important ideas when
considering the
aesthetics
of a structure.
◦
Aesthetics: the concept of how visually attractive or
beautiful something is.
Symmetry is an important
principle in nature. The entire
human body is nearly
symmetrical when a line of
symmetry is drawn vertically.
Many people consider objects that are
symmetrical to be more appealing than
asymmetrical
(not symmetrical) objects.
The Taj Mahal in India
was designed to
highlight the visual
appeal of symmetry.
How would you like to live in a building where
the walls were not straight, the windows all
different sizes and the floor uneven?
An Austrian designer,
Friedensreich
Hundertwasser
(1928 – 2000) was famous for
rejecting symmetry
. His buildings are very
controversial.
Take a look at the next 2 slides to see
examples of some of his architecture….
These cube
houses were
designed by
architect Piet
Blom. Each
house is
supposed to
represent an
urban tree and
the series of
houses a
forest.
Symmetry also plays an important role in
stability. The dead load of symmetrical
structures is spread more evenly along the
length of the structure which makes it more
stable.
Designers use the line of symmetry to help
locate a structure’s centre of gravity,
however, this can only be used when the
mass of the structure is evenly spread out.
(Example: a pyramid that used stone for one
half and wood for the other half would not
have its center of gravity along the line of
symmetry.)
Find a structure where form has played an
important part of the design process.
Investigate this structure and post the
following information on the class blog:
◦
Name, location, and the date the structure was built
◦
Describe why/how you think “form” was important
in the design of the structure.
◦
Form is often influenced by context, just as in art.
What factors may have influenced the designers of
this structure? (Time period, culture, interests, etc.)
◦
Complete instructions can be found on the Class
Blog under “Amazing Structures”.
Built 1992-1996 - asymmetrical design
Non-traditional design that stands out in
contrast to the tradition buildings in Prague.
The house resembles a pair of dancers
The “deconstructivist” design was
supported by the Czech president at the
time who hoped the building would
become a culture centre.
Many people believe this design does not
‘fit in’ with the Prague architecture. Today
it is used as an apartment building with
businesses on the ground floor.
Exploring the concept of symmetry and its impact on form, function, and aesthetics in structures. Symmetry plays a crucial role in identifying and appreciating the beauty of objects, with examples ranging from nature to architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal and Hundertwasser's unconventional designs.
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Presentation Transcript
Grade 7 Science: Structures and Mechanisms (Form and Function)
I can describe how symmetry affects form and function in structures.
The shape of an object helps us identify it and distinguish it from other objects. One aspect of shape is symmetry (a term used in art and math as well!). Symmetry: an exact reflection on opposite sides of a line dividing an object in half. Line of symmetry: a line that divides an object in half; helps display symmetry
Symmetry is an important ideas when considering the aesthetics of a structure. Aesthetics: the concept of how visually attractive or beautiful something is. Symmetry is an important principle in nature. The entire human body is nearly symmetrical when a line of symmetry is drawn vertically.
Many people consider objects that are symmetrical to be more appealing than asymmetrical (not symmetrical) objects. The Taj Mahal in India was designed to highlight the visual appeal of symmetry.
How would you like to live in a building where the walls were not straight, the windows all different sizes and the floor uneven? An Austrian designer, Friedensreich Hundertwasser rejecting symmetry controversial. Take a look at the next 2 slides to see examples of some of his architecture . Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928 2000) was famous for rejecting symmetry. His buildings are very
These cube houses were designed by architect Piet Blom. Each house is supposed to represent an urban tree and the series of houses a forest.
Symmetry also plays an important role in stability. The dead load of symmetrical structures is spread more evenly along the length of the structure which makes it more stable.
Designers use the line of symmetry to help locate a structure s centre of gravity, however, this can only be used when the mass of the structure is evenly spread out. (Example: a pyramid that used stone for one half and wood for the other half would not have its center of gravity along the line of symmetry.)
Find a structure where form has played an important part of the design process. Investigate this structure and post the following information on the class blog: Name, location, and the date the structure was built Describe why/how you think form was important in the design of the structure. Form is often influenced by context, just as in art. What factors may have influenced the designers of this structure? (Time period, culture, interests, etc.) Complete instructions can be found on the Class Blog under Amazing Structures . Complete instructions can be found on the Class Blog under Amazing Structures .
Built 1992-1996 - asymmetrical design Non-traditional design that stands out in contrast to the tradition buildings in Prague. The house resembles a pair of dancers The deconstructivist design was supported by the Czech president at the time who hoped the building would become a culture centre. Many people believe this design does not fit in with the Prague architecture. Today it is used as an apartment building with businesses on the ground floor.
