Week 7: Reading Reflection

A basketmaker’s approach to structural morphology

Alison G. Martin

 
Alison Martin explores how traditional basketmaking techniques provide structural algorithms for modern computational design. By hand-building models from bamboo and paper, she demonstrates how 2D tessellations can be deformed into spherical or hyperbolic surfaces by varying connectivity.  These woven structures mirror nanostructures and minimal surfaces found in nature, such as sponges. Ultimately, these physical models serve as powerful pedagogical tools for visualizing complex geometry and mathematical principles in architecture and engineering.

STOP #1: "The geometry principle of introducing singularities in a mesh - each pentagon in a hexagonal mesh introduces positive convex curvature to a fullerene shell or a basket shape while a heptagon introduces concave curvature - applies equally in molecular structure and woven baskets. The shape of a basket can be defined in mathematical terms; a 3-D representation of hyperbolic functions (saddles) results from adding extra weavers, while subtracting from the numbers of weavers produces closed shapes." (p. 2)

Although I had to read this several times to begin to understand what was being describes, I was hooked after the first read. I really loved the idea of the transition from 2D to 3D and what had to be done to achieve that shape and formation in the basket. You can tell in this excerpt just how mathematical basket weaving really is. This was the first time I truly saw a deep connection between the two. The use of the pictures that go along with this text, really helped solidify my understanding of the concept.

STOP #2: "Porifera (sponges) are simple aquatic invertebrate whose shape seems to depend on nature’s ability to find the simplest algorithm which will generate the most extensive surface with minimal materials. As cells multiply their surface arrangement adds extra area to the organism. This is a matter of life and death for filter feeders like sponges and corals. Evolution is a great optimiser." (p. 6)

As soon as I am introduced something where math is being done in nature, without the intervention of humans, I am so HOOKED! This concept here is beyond cool. In the last 2 years of being in my MEd, I have been expose to a variety of ways that math is being done in nature, every day, by nature itself. Ever since I was introduced to Fractals, I see them everywhere. And now sponges... WHAT!? This lead me to run to my washroom, where I have a natural loofah, and observe its complex net. Although I failed to pin point it's pattern, I am convinced that it is in there somewhere. Of course a loofah is a plant, and not a Porifera, but I thought perhaps there was a connection. 


Martin, A. G. (2015). A basketmaker’s approach to structural morphology. In Proceedings of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2015, Amsterdam: Future Visions.