A Geometric Analysis of the Seven Heavens
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Reference
B. Lynn Bodner: A Geometric Analysis of the Seven Heavens. In: Bridges 2005. Pages 285–292
DOI
Abstract
The artesonado ceiling in the throne-room of the Alhambra is known as the Seven Heavens, since it appears to represent the path traveled by the soul, passing through the seven heavens of the cosmos until reaching at the peak the eighth heaven of the Muslim paradise. This paper will discuss and analyze the geometric structure of the ceiling and its eight different types of star polygon designs. Using only the geometer’s tools of straightedge and compass (or the electronic equivalent, the Geometer’s Sketchpad software), skeletal versions of the star polygon designs will be reconstructed and classified according to the symmetry elements permitted.
Extended Abstract
Bibtex
Used References
[1] O. Grabar. The Alhambra. Harvard University Press, 1978.
[2] G. dePrangey. Impressions of Granada and the Alhambra. Garnet Publishing, 1996.
[3] I. El-Said and A. Parman. Geometric Concepts in Islamic Art. Dale Seymour Publications, 1976.
[4] B. L. Bodner. La Mezquita’s Geometric Window Grilles, presented at and abstract published in the Proceedings of the Art + Math = X conference, 2005.
[5] B. L. Bodner. Unique Moroccan Designs: Reconstructed and Classified, presented at the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), New Jersey Section conference, 2005.
[6] B. L. Bodner. Star Polygon Designs of La Alhambra’s Wooden Ceiling, presented at and abstract published in the Proceedings of the Bridges conference, 2004.
[7] B. L. Bodner. An Unusual Nine-Pointed Star Polygon Design of La Alhambra, presented at and abstract published in the Proceedings of the ISAMA conference, 2004.
[8] B. L. Bodner. Constructing and Classifying Designs of al-Andalus, presented at and abstract published in the Proceedings of the Joint ISAMA-Bridges conference, 2003.
[9] B. L. Bodner. Mathematics of Islamic Art, 45-minute invited talk and 1-hour invited workshop at the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), New Jersey Section conference, 2002.
[10] B. L. Bodner. Islamic Art, 2-hour Special Invited Session presented at the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) Mathfest conference, 2001.
[11] The Geometer’s Sketchpad software (version 4), distributed by Key Curriculum Press, 2001.
[12] J. B. Lopez and P. G. Andrew. Official Guide: The Alhambra and Generalife. Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife, 1999.
[13] S. J. Abas and A. S. Salman. Symmetries of Islamic Geometrical Patterns. World Scientific, 1998.
Links
Full Text
http://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2005/bridges2005-285.pdf
