International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)

ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 9, September - 2013

Architecture Style Developing through Application of Mathematics:

Concepts of Geometry &Proportion in Architecture
Ar.Muzaffar Ali *
B.Sc, B.Arch, M.Arch (AP), IGD
Lecturer at College of Architecture Design & Planning,
Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ar. Mohd Faheem

B.Arch, M.Arch (RA)
Lecturer at College of Architecture Design & Planning,
Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Ar. Vikas Kumar Nirmal

B.Arch, M.C.P
Assistant Professor at Amity University Gurgaon
RT
*Corresponding and main author
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 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 9, September - 2013

Abstract 1. Theory and Principles

Architecture has its unique relationship with a) Golden Mean Ratio

mathematics, incorporating the study of such b) Pizza-cutter Theory
mathematical concepts as ratio, proportion, scales
and symmetry. Put up definitions and explanations c) Egyptian Triangle
of the mathematical concepts of elementary d) Greek Geometry & Proportions
geometry, stating their connection to architecture
and ratio and proportion relate to architectural e) Cardinal Theory.
plan with mathematical accuracy in measuring. In
this paper showing the connections between 1.1 Golden Mean Ratio and
geometry and architecture with what appears to be Architecture
an obvious example from various styles, The golden ratio is also called extreme and mean
architectural works which are also derived from ratio. According to Euclid, A straight line is said to
basic geometric figures.The aim is to re-search the have been cut in extreme and mean ratio when, as
age old geometrical principles applied in Indian the whole line is to the greater segment, so is the
architecture. Deriving ancient principles of inter- greater to the less.
relationship between ‘Geometry & Architecture’ in
three major branches of Indian architecture, = 1/2 + 5 / 2 =1.618
particularly, Hindu Architecture and Islamic
Architecture. Historically, architecture was part of
mathematics, and in many periods of the past, the
two disciplines were indistinguishable. In the
ancient world, mathematicians were architects,
whose constructions - The tombs, mosques,
temples, pyramids and ziggurats. Geometry was the
study of shapes and shapes were determined by
numbers.Here geometry becomes the guiding
RT
principle. Geometric principles such as those used
in triangles (the ratio between base and height,
how they are related to the area of the triangle)
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have been used in many ancient architectural

constructions.
Key Words:
Mathematics in architecture, Geometry& Fig: 1 (Golden ratio diagram)
proportion, unique relation, Golden proportion and
geometric principles.

Summary:
Mathematics and architecture have always enjoyed
a close association with each other, not only in the
sense that the latter is informed by the former, but Derivation of golden rectangle
also in that both share the search for order and Step- 1 Construct a unit square.
beauty. It is also employed as visual ordering Step-2 Draw a line from the midpoint of one side
element or as a means to achieve harmony with the to an opposite corner.
universe. Here geometry becomes the guiding Step-3 Use that line as the radius to draw an arc
principle. Many ancient architectural achievements that defines the long Dimension of the rectangle.
continue to strike any keen observer with both their
grandeur and structural stability. Such structural
stability had resulted due to following the
principles of mathematics to obtain equilibrium and
aesthetics in a balanced proportion. The Great Wall
of China, the pyramids of Egypt, The Parthenon,
The Colosseum and the TajMahal are all examples
of the achievements of ancient architecture. In all
these architectural achievements, many Fig:2 (Parthenon faced proportion ratio)
fundamental principles of maths have been used.

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 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 9, September - 2013

1.2.2 Derivation of golden pentagon

Fig:3 (Parthenon)
A pentagram color to distinguish its line segments of
different lengths. The four lengths are in golden ratio
Some studies of the Acropolis, including the to one another. The golden ratio plays an important
role in regular pentagons and pentagrams. Each
Parthenon, conclude that many of its proportions
intersection of edges sections other edges in the
approximate the golden ratio. The Parthenon's facade golden ratio. Also, the ratio of the length of the
as well as elements of its facade and elsewhere can be shorter segment to the segment bounded by the 2
circumscribed by golden rectangles. intersecting edges (a side of the pentagon in the
pentagram's centre) is φ, as the four-color illustration
1.2 Pizza-cutter Theory shows.
If angle BCX = α, then XCA = α because of the
bisection, and CAB = α because of the similar
triangles; ABC = 2α from the original isosceles
symmetry, and BXC = 2α by similarity. The angles in
a triangle add up to 180°, so 5α = 180, giving α = 36°.
RT
So the angles of the golden triangle are thus 36°-72°-
72°. The angles of the remaining obtuse isosceles
triangle AXC (sometimes called the golden gnomon)
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are 36°-36°-108. Fig: 5 (Golden pentagon)

1.2.3 Relationship to Fibonacci sequence

It is approximate and true golden spirals. The green
spiral is made from quarter-circles tangent to the
interior of each square, while the red spiral is a
Golden Spiral, a special type of logarithmic spiral.
Overlapping portions appear yellow. The length of
the side of a larger square to the next smaller square
is in the golden ratio.

1.2.4 Golden spiral in nature

Although it is often seen that the golden spiral occurs
repeatedly in nature (e.g. the arms of spiral galaxies
Fig: 4 (Pizza cut plate) or sunflower heads), this claim is rarely valid except
perhaps in the most contrived of circumstances.
1.2.1 Derivation of golden triangle
Suppose XB has length 1, and we call BC length φ.
Because of the isosceles triangles BC=XC and
XC=XA, so these are also length φ. Length AC = AB,
therefore equals φ+1. But triangle ABC is similar to
triangle CXB, so AC/BC = BC/BX, and so AC also
equals φ2. Thus φ2 = φ+1, confirming that φ is
indeed the golden ratio.

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 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 9, September - 2013

expeditions. Height = 146.515 m, and base =

230.363 m
Half the base is230.363 ÷ 2 = 115.182 m
So,
S 2 = 146.515 + 115.182 2 = 34,733 m2
S = 18636.9 mm
Does the Great Pyramid contain the Golden Ratio?
Dividing slant height s by half base gives 186.369 ÷
115.182 = 1.61804
Which differs from (1.61803) by only one unit in the
fifth decimal place.
The Egyptian triangle thus has a base of 1 and a
hypotenuse equal to. Its height h, by the Pythagorean
Theorem, is given by
h2 = φ2 - 12
Solving for h we get a value of √φ.
Project: Compute the value for the height of the
Egyptian triangle to verify that it is. Thus the sides of
the Egyptian triangle are in the ratio
1: √φ: φ

Fig: 6&7 (Golden spiral)

RT
For example, it is commonly believed that nautilus
shells get wider in the pattern of a golden spiral, and
hence are related to both φ and the Fibonacci series.
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Nautilus shells exhibit logarithmic spiral growth, but

at a rate distinctly different from that of the golden
spiral. The reason for this growth pattern is that it
allows the organism to grow at a constant rate without
having to change shape. Spirals are common features Fig: 9 (Pyramid of Egypt)
in nature, but there is no evidence that a single
number dictates the shape of every one of these
spirals. 1.3.3 Squaring of the Circle in the Great Pyramid
The claim is:
golden golden golden golden The perimeter of the base of the Great Pyramid equals
value of φ
ratio rectangle triangle spiral
the circumference of a circle whose radius equal to
the height of the pyramid.
Fig: 8 (Equation of ratio) Does it? Recall from the last unit that if we let the
base of the Great pyramid be 2 units in length, then
1.3 Egyptian Triangle Pyramid height = √φ
This triangle is special because it supposedly contains So:
the golden ratio. In particular, the ratio of the slant Perimeter of base = 4 x 2 = 8 units
height s to half the base b is said to be the golden Then for a circle with radius equal to pyramid height
ratio. To verify this we have to find the slant √φ.Circumference of circle = 2 π√φ ~7.992 so the
height.Its height h, by the Pythagorean Theorem, is perimeter of the square and the circumference of the
given by, h2= 2 - 12 circle agree to less than 0.1%.
Solving for h we get a value of =1.271
An Approximate Value for in Terms of π in terms of
1.3.1Computation of Slant Heights φ
The dimension is to the nearest tenth of a meter, of Since the circumference of the circle (2) nearly equals
the Great Pyramid of Cheops, determined by various the

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 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 9, September - 2013

Perimeter of the square (8)

π √φ ~ 8
We can get an approximate value for π,
π ~ 4/√φ = 3.1446
Which agrees with the true value to better than 0.1%.

2.1 Application in Hindu Architecture

Fig:10 Proportion in Hindu
The concept of a Hindu temple goes back thousands Fig: 11Vaastu Mandala
Temple
of years and the building information and the wisdom
on which it is based has been orally passed on from
generation to generation.
The ancient Marundheeswarar temple in
Thiruvanmayur, South Chennai, has a series of pillars
with beautiful geometric designs that are quite
surprisingly fairly sophisticated mathematical motifs
of contemporary scientific interest? The motifs
surround the sanctum of the goddess
"Tripurasundari", the "belle of the three cities". The
number three is crucial in the motifs and the
irreducible tripartite nature of the divinity is
emphasized through links and knots, which have their
usual meanings as well as precise mathematical ones.
The first of the patterns is a set of three identical
overlapping equilateral triangles at whose center is a
RT
four petalled flower. Unlike the two-dimensional
Vantras which typically have several overlapping
triangles, this one is sculpted with the third dimension
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in mind. We can make out when one triangle goes

over another. The three triangles overlap in a very
specific and remarkable way: no two of the three
triangles are linked to each other, but the three are
inextricably collectively linked; if any one of the Fig: 12 Vaastumandala
triangles is removed the other two falls apart as well.
Upapitha(25 squares)
2.1 Evaluation of basic geometrical formulas in corresponds to Pancha-pada (five divided site)
Indian context- Ugrapitha(36 squares)
AryabhataSutrafor‘PI’ corresponds to Shashtha-pada (six divided site)
Mathematics played a vital role in Aryabhata‟s Sthandila(49 squares)
revolutionary understanding of the solar system. His corresponds to sapta-pada (seven divided site)
calculations on pi, the circumference of the earth Manduka/ Chandita(64 square)
(62832 miles) and the length of the solar year (within corresponds to Ashta-pada (eight divided site)
about 13 minutes of the modern calculation) Paramasaayika(81 squares)
corresponds to Nava-pada (nine divided site)
VaastuShastraprescribes desirable characteristics for Aasana(100 squares)
sites and buildings based on flow of energy. Many of corresponds to Dasa-pada (ten divided site)
the rules are attributed to cosmological considerations
- the sun's path, the rotation of the earth, magnetic 2.2 Application in Islamic Architecture
field, etc., the morning sun is considered especially Islamic architecture has encompassed a wide range of
beneficial and purifying and hence the East is a both secular and religious styles from the foundation
treasured direction. The body is considered a magnet of Islam to the present day, influencing the design
with the head, the heaviest and most important part, and construction of buildings and structures within
being considered the North Pole and the feet the the sphere of Islamic culture. The principle
South Pole. architectural types of Islamic architecture are; the

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 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 9, September - 2013

Mosque, the Tomb, the Palace and the Fort. From „Centric Mosque‟ (a & b respectively in Fig. 18). The
these four types, the vocabulary of Islamic first mosque ties constructed by the local stone-
architecture is derived and used for buildings of lesser cutters around the little cave of SalimChisti, as a
importance such as public baths, fountains and grateful gesture to the saint. The second mosque
domestic architecture. (centeric mosque) was already in existence, not very
far away from the days of SalimChisti. This mosque
2.2.1 Influences and styles as the focal point of the city (Fig. 19)) together with
Distinguishing motifs of Islamic architecture have the SalimChisti‟s mosque marked the beginning of a
always been ordered repetition, radiating structures, rational design approach of FatehpurSikri.
rhythmic and metric patterns. In this respect, fractal
geometry has been a key utility, especially for
mosques and palaces.
Persian architecture, Moorish architecture
Ottoman Turkish architecture, Fatimid architecture
Mamluk architecture, Indo-Islamic (Mughal)
architecture, Sino-Islamic architecture
Afro-Islamic architecture.

The system of measurement based on a constant

awareness of the proportions of the human body and
on the principles of geometry is the key factors
applied in Islamic architecture, in fact in all their
creative work. Besides, of less significance in beauty
(in aesthetics) in architecture which comes essentially
RT
from proportioning and proportioning also results
from geometry. Fig: 14 (Planning pattern in Fatehpur Sikri )
“The square and the circle, and their immediately
2.2.3 Shahajahanabad (old Delhi)
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related shapes are the simplest, most perfect and

stable geometrical forms found in nature. These The planning of Shahajahanabad (old Delhi), built by
Akbar‟s grandson, Shahjahan, about 70 years after the
symbolize the perfection of „God & his Universe‟.
founding of FatehpurSikri, is also based on eight
Therefore in Islamic Architecture, the mathematical super squares, each comprising nine modular squares
system, based on geometry, is established by the . The location of a number of city gates, as in case of
application of square and axis, besides the concept of FatehpurSikri, is also determined by the super grid.
centrality.
The application of square as a generic unit brings the
relationship between all parts, from the smallest to the
biggest dimension. It regulates not only totality, but
also achieves unity in the overall composition. „In 3-
dimensional space, six squares form a cube and
become the spaceenclosing elements. A dome resting
on the cube is the space covering element.

2.2.2 Mathematical system in the design of

FatehpurSikri
The spirit and guiding force of the design of
FatehpurSikri was in the tireless efforts of Akbar and Fig: 15 (Planning pattern in Walled city )
his architects to bring to light once more the beauty Plan of Shahjabanhad (Old Delhi) based on eight
and purity of Islamic artistic wisdom. The design super squares.
rationalism was developed on the basis of
mathematical system-proportions, rules and measures Mihrab, 1354; post-Ilkhanid period
- in which the use of the axis and the square The most important interior element in an Islamic
religiousbuilding is the mihrab, a wall niche that
predominates. It is important to realize presence of
indicates the directionof Mecca, toward which the
the two mosques, the „SalimChisti‟s mosque‟ and the

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 International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
ISSN: 2278-0181
Vol. 2 Issue 9, September - 2013

faithful must face during the dailyprayers. This calculation .in India we have very strong tangible
mihrab is from the Madrasa Imami, a religious history in architecture ,strong element of architecture
schoolfounded in Isfahan in 1354. It is made of and geography ,Indian culture time to time affect
glazed earthenwarecut into small pieces and architecture .Architects and master craftsmen of that
embedded in plaster. Three kinds ofIslamic designs time strongly adopted and recommend mathematical
can be found here —vegetal, calligraphic, implication in master planning and architecture
andgeometric. The calligraphic inscription in the back planning as well as architectural aesthetically
of the nichereads: “The Prophet (on him is peace!) treatment in façade and interiors .As an architect and
Said „the mosque isthe dwelling place of the pious.‟” planner we need to be think about adaptive re used
Calligraphy is the mostrevered art form in Islam mathematical application in contemporary
because it conveys the word of God.Note the way in architecture .
which straight-lined geometric shapes havebeen made
to fit the curved space. Observe the varied BIBLIOGRAPHY
andcomplex decorative elements that cover every 1. Arnold, Dieter. Encyclopedia of Ancient Egyptian
visible surfaceof the mihrab. All directly illustrate Architecture. Translated by Sabine H. Gardiner and Helen
geometric, calligraphic,or plant forms. Strudwick. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press,
2003.

2. Baines, John, and JaromirMalek. Cultural Atlas of

Ancient Egypt. Reved. New York: Checkmark Books, 2000.

3. Bierbrier, Morris L. Historical Dictionary of Ancient

Egypt. Lanham, Md. Scarecrow Press, 1999.

4. Bernard V. Egyptian Art: Selected Writings of Bernard

V. Bothmer. Edited by Madeleine E. Cody. Oxford: Oxford
University Press,2004
5. Brown, Percy Indian Architecture (Islamic Period) D.B.
RT
Taraporevala Sons and Co. Pvt. Ltd. Bombay, 1975,
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Fig: 16 (Mihrab of Post ilkhanid period )

CONCLUSION
Application of mathematics in architecture from
ancient to modern architecture age find new
possibilities for contemporary architecture design
pattern, form and aesthetics.Mathematics and
architecture have always enjoyed a close association
with each other, not only in the sense that the latter is
informed by the former, but also in that both share the
search for order and beauty. It is also employed as
visual ordering element or as a means to achieve
harmony with the universe. Here geometry becomes
the guiding principle.Many ancient architectural
achievements continue to strike any keen observer
with both their grandeur and structural stability. Such
structural stability had resulted due to following the
principles of mathematics to obtain equilibrium and
aesthetics in a balanced proportionAfter study of
geometric pattern, proportion and balance in term of
master planning and architecture planning as well as
architectural treatment of building blocks, we
implicate similar treatment in contemporary
architecture as per contemporary need of society
.Ancient design and planning based on balance &
equality theory ,that reflect in city planning and
architectural planning .in present era strongly used of
mathematics just reflect in structure & load

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