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Mathematics and Modern Art pp 153–165Cite as

Pleasing Shapes for Topological Objects

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Part of the book series: Springer Proceedings in Mathematics ((PROM,volume 18))

Abstract

Topology is the study of deformable shapes; to draw a picture of a topological object one must choose a particular geometric shape. One strategy is to minimize a geometric energy, of the type that also arises in many physical situations. The energy minimizers or optimal shapes are also often aesthetically pleasing. This article first appeared in an Italian translation [Sullivan, Affascinanti forme per oggetti topologici, 145–156 (2011)].

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany

    John M. Sullivan

Authors
  1. John M. Sullivan
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Correspondence to John M. Sullivan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Henri Poincaré, ESMA, rue Pierre et Marie Curie 11, Paris Cedex 0, 75231, France

    Claude Bruter

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Sullivan, J.M. (2012). Pleasing Shapes for Topological Objects. In: Bruter, C. (eds) Mathematics and Modern Art. Springer Proceedings in Mathematics, vol 18. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-24497-1_13

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