Week 2: Math + Art

I had never realized how much math influences science and art.  Math is everywhere and we sometimes do not even notice it. Some of the best architecture designs have a combined art and scientific background based from mathematical equations.

Modern architecture has become so futuristic that the geometrical balance between angles, shapes, and proper mathematical calculations play an important role in the elevation of the structure. As explained by Mariane Freiberger, the design behind a building comes with geometrical structure, but must also be aesthetically pleasing and comply with planning regulations. With the right combination of mathematics and science you get a beautiful artistic building structure to display.

Created by architect Adrian Smith, one of the most impressive buildings is the Burj Khalifa commonly known as the Dubai Tower, world’s tallest building (Stanglin, 2010). The science and math to build a foundation that could possibly hold such an astonishing building is incredible. This structure shows how properly using the laws of nature; mankind can build anything with the proper usage of science and mathematics.

During lecture Professor Vesna talks about Fuller and his idea of de-genius through our primary education. I agree that our knowledge comes from the experience and education we encounter. Like Fuller says, children experiment a lot and there are experiences that we are not born with but we must encounter and learn from on our own. This is why I strongly believe students, especially those with fewer resources, should be involved in art and science programs. 

Unfortunately, experiencing art at a primary education is less common.  I find it very unfortunate that the younger generation does not get that ability to test their art and science skills. A report by the Congressional Budget Office claims that there will be a reduction of funding for programs in the Arts and Humanities from 2014 to 2023. Without governmental help, students will have fewer opportunities to experience arts and science.

The clip from Stand and Deliver shows how math is used in an artistic way. In order to learn the multiples of 9 the actor Edward James Olmos uses his fingers as an artistic way to explain math. This method leads these students to successfully pass their calculus AP exam.

From this week’s topic I was able to understand the importance of mathematics in both art and science. When describing juxtaposition, it is clear how having math combined with science and art creates amazing results. Properly using the laws of physics to properly build a structure, or using art to explain math, are both great ways that math influences art and science.

 Work Cited

Burj Khalifa. Digital image. Blueprint Shut. Web.

CBO. "Reduce Federal Funding for the Arts and Humanities." Discretionary Spending. Congressional Budget Office, 13 Nov. 2013. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. <https://www.cbo.gov/budget-options/2013/44786>.

Cultor Web. Laon Cathedral’s Regulator Lines. 2014. Digital Image. Cultor College, n.p. Web.

Finger Math - Stand and Deliver. Digital image. Youtube.com. Web.

Freiberger, Marianne. "Perfect Buildings: The Maths of Modern Architecture." Perfect Buildings: The Maths of Modern Architecture. Plus Magazine - Living Mathematics, 1 Mar. 2007. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. <https://plus.maths.org/content/perfect-buildings-maths-modern-architecture>.

Stand and Deliver. Warner Home Video, 1998. Film.

Stanglin, Douglas. "Dubai Opens World's Tallest Building." USA Today. Gannett, 4 Jan. 2010. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. <http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/01/dubai-opens-world-tallest-building/1#.VSXJbBPF-Zw>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Mathematics pt1. Zero Perspective Golden Mean." DESMA 9. University of California. , Los Angeles. 9 Apr. 2012. Lecture.