Straight lines, hexagons, complementary angles and geometry boxes are all terms commonly associated with geometry. On the contrary, Sacred Geometry is a mature concept. Sacred geometry is an ancient science that reveals that energy arranges itself and explains the patterns that generate and unite everything. Every natural movement or growth pattern is considered to return to one or more geometric forms. This design system is based on the belief that geometrical, mathematical ratios, harmonics and proportions are found in music, light, and cosmology.
Sacred geometry fosters peace inside and outside people and strengthens their bond with spirit. Since it permeates everything and is woven into every fibre of all creation, it frequently gets referred to as “sacred architecture.”
Principles of Sacred Geometry:
Sacred geometry has a rich history bridging from ancient civilisations to the architectural wonders of today’s religious structures.
The Golden Ratio:
The Golden Ratio is a mathematical ratio that may be stated algebraically. It is sometimes represented as the Golden Mean, Golden Section, or the Greek letter phi. Mathematical definition is when the ratio of two numbers equals the ratio of their total to the greater of the two values. This phenomenon is frequently observed in nature. The Golden Ratio is said to have been used in human art and design for at least 4,000 years. It’s an idea that goes beyond intricate mathematical formulas and is about creating balanced and beautiful designs.
Architectural Implementations:
- Lotus Temple, Delhi: The lotus petals are designed so that the proportions and spatial arrangement reflect harmonic symmetry.
- The Parthenon, Greece: The ratio of the building’s width to its height, and the spacing of its columns, is thought to follow Phi.
- Villa Savoye, France: The layout and proportions of the building follow the Modulor system, based on the human scale and the Golden Ratio.
- Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation, France: Corbusier developed the Modulor system based on human proportions and the Golden Ratio. He used it to determine the height and dimensions of living spaces and structural elements.
- The Taj Mahal, Agra: The dome’s height is directly proportional to the width of the main building, creating perfect symmetry and balance.
Platonic Solids:
Solids having similar faces made up of congruent convex regular polygons are called platonic solids, regular solids, or regular polyhedra. The ancient Greeks investigated platonic solids, also known as cosmic solids, which come in five varieties: Tetrahedron, Cube, Octahedron, Dodecahedron and Icosahedron which represent fire, earth, air, water and heavens respectively.
Architectural Implementations:
- The Louvre Pyramid, Paris: A modern architectural representation of the tetrahedron. Its triangular faces and sharp geometric lines make it an embodiment of the simplest Platonic solid.
- Aldar Headquarters, Abu Dhabi: The building’s curved, disk-like structure references spherical symmetry, a derivative of the icosahedron’s geometry.
- Epcot’s Spaceship Earth, Florida: Spaceship Earth at Epcot is a geodesic sphere made up of triangular facets, a structure derived from the geometry of an icosahedron.
- Cathedral of Brasília, Brazil: Its upward-reaching spires reflect the geometry of the octahedron, a Platonic solid associated with air and balance.
Mandalas:
A holy circle is what the word “mandala” denotes. The mandals are straightforward geometric forms formed from consistent circle divisions. The circle represents the womb of creation. The spiritual practice of reflecting on the nature of creation and existence used mandalas.
Architectural Implementations:
Borobudur Temple, Indonesia: Borobudur, a massive Buddhist temple, is constructed as a three-dimensional mandala, representing the Buddhist cosmological universe. The temple consists of multiple square and circular terraces, each level symbolising a stage in the path to enlightenment.
The Great Stupa at Sanchi, India: The design of the hemispherical dome functions as a mandala. To replicate the round flow of life and the universe, pilgrims can walk around the stupa thanks to its circular shape and concentric walkways.
Shri Yantra Temples, India: This yantra consists of interlocking triangles forming a central point, representing the union of the divine feminine and masculine energies. Temples based on the Shri Yantra mandala follow this sacred geometry.
Chand Baori Stepwell, India: An ancient stepwell that incorporates a mandala structure in its design. The repeating geometric patterns of the steps form a fractal-like pattern, with symmetry and order at every level.
Tibetan Monasteries: Tibetan monasteries and stupas often embody intricate and captivating designs of mandalas. The most notable example is the Kalachakra Mandala, represented in the floor plans and spatial organisation of Tibetan religious structures.
Various geometric forms such as spirals, labyrinths, polygons, tessellations, and fractals merit consideration. These forms are foundational to different ancient and newly built forms.
The profound influence of sacred geometry in architectural design is evident in the magnificent structures of temples, mosques, cathedrals, and Buddhist and environmental architecture. The integration of architecture and human beliefs demonstrates a profound connection. Ultimately, architecture serves as a tangible expression of beliefs, values, traditions, and societal needs. By integrating the principles of sacred geometry, modern architecture can imbue structures with a positive and harmonious essence.
References:
- Travel Content Creators (2024). Sacred Geometry: Patterns Shaping the Universe [Online] Available at: https://www.travelcontentcreators.com/sacred-geometry/ [Accessed October 15, 2024]
- Creative Bloq (2021). A designer’s guide to the Golden Ratio [Online] Available at: https://www.creativebloq.com/design/designers-guide-golden-ratio-12121546 [Accessed October 15, 2024]
- Thor Architects (2021). 11 Classical Geometries in Architecture [Online] Available at: https://www.thorarchitects.com/classical-geometry/ [Accessed October 15, 2024]
- bambaiSe (2023). Mandala Influence in Architecture [Online] Available at: https://bambaise.com/blogs/guide/mandala-influence-in-architecture#:~:text=Translating%20Mandalas%20into%20Architecture,evoke%20a%20sense%20of%20peace. [Accessed October 15, 2024]
