The Master-Builder-Geometer

Abstract

The Advances in Architectural Geometry conference consciously brings together two Greek terms, ‘architect’ (ἁρϰιτέϰτων) and ‘geometry’ (γεωμετίβ) and Plato’s famous quote, which was said to hang above his door, sets the theme of the conference in terms of intellectual rigour as Confucius’ does in terms of practical aspiration; each of these two concepts is fundamental to architecture and its practice. The term ‘advanced’ is included as a catalyst for re-examining an ancient relationship that is presently finding new interest in contemporary architectural discourse through the advent of ubiquitous computation, and a current fascination with natural, scientific and mathematical concepts and their potential for expression through built form.

Let no man destitute of geometry enter my doors—Plato

Practice without Theory is blind; Theory without Practice is sterile—Confucius