Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Volume 2015, Article ID 950232, 14 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/950232

Research Article
Study of the Control of Geometric Pattern Using
Digital Algorithm (with Focus on Analysis and Application of
the Islamic Star Pattern)

Jin-Young Lee,1 Sung-Wook Kim,2 and You-Chang Jeon2

1
aDLab+, Suwon-si 16499, Republic of Korea
2
Department of Architecture, Ajou University, Suwon-si 16499, Republic of Korea

Correspondence should be addressed to Sung-Wook Kim; [email protected]

Received 1 May 2015; Accepted 27 July 2015

Academic Editor: Antônio G. B. de Lima

Copyright © 2015 Jin-Young Lee et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This paper presents a study to analyze and modify the Islamic star pattern using digital algorithm, introducing a method to efficiently
modify and control classical geometric patterns through experiments and applications of computer algorithms. This will help to
overcome the gap between the closeness of classical geometric patterns and the influx of design by digital technology and to lay out
a foundation for efficiency and flexibility in developing future designs and material fabrication by promoting better understanding
of the various methods for controlling geometric patterns.

1. Introduction connection point of classic geometry and algorithmic design.

In other words, to overcome the closeness of classic patterns
With the advance of digital technology, the development through studies on the patterns produced by designers and
of surfaces in modern structures enjoys an unprecedented also overcome the influx of design by digital technology, the
freedom of expression. The various ability of computer objective of this study is to introduce a method to efficiently
programs, in tune with the will of designers to discover a new modify and control classical geometric patterns through
design, accelerates the speed of “limitless” design through experiments and applications of computer algorithms.
proliferation, modification, and trajectory tracking. The rapid
development of computer technology results in a tendency
to perform unpredictable calculations with the computer 2. Methods
using an algorithm beyond the control of the artist. The
development of manufacturing technology has also enabled As the analysis object of this study, we used the Islamic
the construction of various experimental shapes, which star pattern. Specifically, this study selected the 4.8.8 pattern
provides a good justification as meaningful construction among the modified star pattern examples used in Hankin’s
work. These phenomena try to differentiate themselves from method. For analysis and experiment control of this pattern,
the rules of classical geometry by using terminologies such we utilized “Grasshopper” and “Rhinoscript,” which are plug-
as “Digital Geometry” and “Digital Materiality.” To counter ins for the Rhinoceros program by Robert McNeel and
this rapid trend, some architects severely limit the role of Associates, and “Processing” developed by Ben Fry and Casey
the computer, refuse designs made by digital programs, and Reas. The purpose of the study is presented in Section 1.
instead produce designs based on the tradition and history of The study method is explained in Section 2. Tessellation,
the sense of geometry. This study will focus on the disparity Islamic art patterns, and algorithm designs are presented
of such an extreme position regarding the use of computer in Section 3. The control methods using the analysis and
algorithms in design. The purpose of this study is to identify a algorithm of Islamic star patterns are introduced in Section 4:
2 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Equilateral Equilateral Equilateral

triangles (6) rectangles (4) hexagons (3)

Figure 1: Basic formation and combination formula of a tessellation.

(a) the side-splitting method and (b) the single module equilateral polygon combinations which fill up space based
expansion method. Various experiments to identify the on one point at the center (Figure 2) [2].
points of intersection are also discussed. Based on these, we The patterns which appear on the Islamic buildings and
will evaluate the potential for modification and convenience tiles of the Middle Ages started from simple designs and
of control. This will be summarized in Section 5. developed into complex designs with mathematical symme-
try over centuries. These complex patterns were modified
by the strapwalk method (Figure 3) [4] using circles and
3. Tessellation and Algorithm Design rectangles in overlapping lattice patterns and were further
improved to produce more complicated forms of symmetric
3.1. Geometric Concept of Tessellation. “Tessellation” can be patterns. The typical example of tessellation is the complex
defined as a pattern of more than one shape which completely geometric patterns that Moors and Arabs used to decorate
covers a certain plane. The regular splitting method of a plane their architecture.
is a method which leaves no gaps by using a certain shape, Such Islamic patterns have had great influence on modern
completely fills out the space without overlapping, and does artists (Figures 4 and 5). Among them, there are Op artists
not allow for overlapping of shapes or gaps [1]. Tessellation such as Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley and print artist M.C.
is typically composed of closed shapes or closed curves, and Escher [2].
the simplest kind of closed curve is a polygon. It is possible
to develop a polygon into a tessellation composed of complex
shapes. First of all, all kinds of triangles and rectangles can 3.2. Understanding of Algorithm Design. An algorithm is a
form a tessellation. This is because the sums of their internal group of well-defined rules and a finite number of steps
angles are 180∘ and 360∘ , respectively [2]. With a combination used to solve a mathematical problem. It is a set of well-
of 6 equilateral triangles, 4 equilateral rectangles. and 3 defined rules and commands in a finite number, and it can
equilateral hexagons, we can create a polygon with the solve a problem by applying its limited rules [5]. Since an
total internal angle of 360∘ . This is the basic formation and algorithm creates a unit through calculation and forms a
combination formula of a tessellation, which has the internal pattern, it is opposed to a design which is dependent on
angle of the focal point of 360∘ (Figure 1) [3]. heuristic knowledge and inspiration. Nevertheless, the reason
If the range of an equilateral polygon is narrowed as in why complex calculations and mathematical algorithms are
Figure 1, a tessellation can be formed with only three types used in designing or creating a pattern is that a design which
of polygons: equilateral triangles, equilateral rectangles, and is created through a calculation process is more effective than
equilateral hexagons. Mathematicians discovered 21 kinds of one arbitrarily created by an architect in pursuit of freedom
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 3

3.3.3.4.4 3.6.3.6

3.3.4.3.4 3.3.3.3.6

4.8.8 3.4.6.4

3.12.12 4.6.12

Figure 2: Equilateral polygon combinations.

Figure 3: Islamic strapwork.

4 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Figure 4: Owen Jones, 1856.

Figure 5: Arabic pattern development (Lewis F. Day).

Start

Initialization

Projection

Vertex optimization
Add new vertex
No
Convergence?

Yes

No
k > c(h, Δ)?

Yes
End

Figure 6: Algorithm.

𝜃 𝜃 𝜃 𝜃
𝛿

Figure 7: Hankin’s pattern developing process.

Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 5

Figure 8: Variations of patterns using Hankin’s method (Craig S. Kaplan).

Figure 10: 4.8.8 combination.

Figure 9: Unit module. the design of cars and ships but also in various fields such
as computing design and media arts. Also, mathematical
algorithms produce results with variables depending on the
of expression and is detached from the real structure [6]. The situation and develop shapes in accordance with the rules
design process using an algorithm does not appear only in of a mathematical formula [7]. Therefore, it is necessary
modern society. For centuries from the past to the present, to understand the function of mathematical formulas in
architects have made attempts at design by taking advantage order to embody and express shapes based on rules in
of mathematics as part of an effort to converge mathematics the process. Consequently, the application of mathematical
with construction. With the digital tools of modern soci- formulas in construction design can be effectively used to
ety, modern mathematical algorithms are used not only in control design by utilizing computing technology in tune
6 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Figure 11: Transformation of 4.8.8 combination.

Controlling method
Side splitting Single module expansion

Figure 12: Types of controlling method.

d1 d2 d1
p1
p1 p2
d8 p8 d3
d2 p2
p3
p7
d7 p6 p4 d4
p5
d6 d5

Figure 13: Point on segment control diagram (Type A). Figure 15: Point on segment control diagram (Type C).

d d

p p
r
r

Figure 14: Radius control diagram (Type B). Figure 16: Side on segment control diagram (Type D).

with modern society, and we can implement modification application significantly grew in the Middle East and Central
processes through algorithm steps (Figure 6) [8]. Asia [9]. The Islamic star pattern expresses the conver-
sion, symmetry, balance, and uniqueness of harmonious
4. Analysis of Islamic Pattern Using mathematics. Islamic art favored the proportional geometry
Digital Algorithm as a sacred art form [10]. The experiment of geometric
pattern designs using digital algorithms was conducted to
4.1. Outline of Islamic Pattern Design. The Islamic star pattern find an effective control method to modify geometric pat-
using geometric figures is one of the world’s greatest orna- terns through Grasshopper, a mathematical algorithm-based
ment design traditions. Its expansion including architectural program that uses parameters, with the goal of learning
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 7

Figure 17: Basic geometry from diagrid.

Ln
L
B

Ln
L
B

Area
G A

Ln
C L
B

Explode
F

Ln
L
srf B
DGrid
srf C B E
U
15 V Cent
V (a)

Slider 1

Slider 2

L A

tem
I E B

Figure 18: Algorithmic formula.

about the formation methods of Islamic star patterns through algorithm that will be analyzed in this study, control methods
various shape modifications. In the tiling-based approach of to create various shapes of geometric figures through math-
Islamic star patterns, the polygons-in-contact method of E. ematical algorithms can be divided into two types: the side-
H. Hankin set a milestone. In his paper, he offered a great splitting method and the single module expansion method
starting point for an approach to creating Islamic star patterns (Figure 12). If we delve into the side-splitting method, it can
and provided various examples of pattern formation through be further divided into two types: the point on segment
Hankin’s method (Figures 7 and 8) [11]. control method (Figure 13) and the radius control method
(Figure 14). The single module expansion method can be
divided into the point on segment control method (Figure 15)
4.2. Analysis. As mentioned in Section 3, we will focus and the line on segment control method (Figure 16).
on tessellations, which are composed of combinations of
multiple unilateral polygons based on basic polygons. Among
them, we try to analyze the modification process of geometric 4.3. Formation of Basic Geometric Figures. To create a simple
figures using the 4.8.8 combination, a basic combination used 4.8.8 geometric figure on a plane, we have to split sides first.
in Hankin’s method, and explore different types of design For the formation of geometric 4.8.8 figures, we have to start
modification processes using the digital algorithm program with a plane with a rectangular grid system (Figure 17).
Grasshopper. The 4.8.8 combination is a pattern made up An algorithm formula can be used to create the surface of
of rectangles and octagons (Figure 9). The unit modules of a rectangle (Figure 10). Entire surface is split into rectangles
these octagons and rectangles are made of triangles of certain with a single basic module. Each side of a unit module
shapes (Figure 10). rectangle is divided into three divisions. If the first point
According to Hankin’s method, the shape of stars can of a side divided into three is connected with the second
transform with a change in the angle of the sides of each point of the opposing side, a geometric 4.8.8 figure is created
basic geometric figure (Figure 11). Through a mathematical (Figure 18).
8 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Side-splitting control method

Point on segment control (Type A) Radius control (Type B)

(b) (c) (d)

(a) (e)
r

Figure 19: Side-splitting control method diagram.

Type A-1 Type A-2 Type A-3

p1 = p2 = · · · = p8 = 0.3 p1 = p2 = · · · = p8 = 0.5 p1 = p2 = · · · = p8 = 0.7

Figure 20: Examples of basic variations: Type A.

Type A-4 Type A-5

p1 = p5 = 0.3/p2 = p6 = 0.5 p1 = 0.5, p2 = 0.3, p3 = 0.7, p4 = 0.5
p3 = p7 = 0.7/p4 = p8 = 0.2 p5 = 0.8, p6 = 0.7, p7 = 0.2, p8 = 0.3

Figure 21: Examples of additional variations: Type A.

Type B-1 Type B-2 Type B-3

r = 0.3 r = 0.5 r = 0.7

Figure 22: Examples of basic variations: Type B.

Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 9

Type A-1 Type A-1 Type A-1 Type A-4 Type A-5

Figure 23: Type A patterning.

Type B-1 Type B-2 Type B-3

Figure 24: Type B patterning.

Single module expansion method

Point on segment control (Type C) Side on segment control (Type D)

(c) (d) (g) (h)

(b) (f)
(i)
(e)
(a)

Figure 25: Single module expansion method diagram.

Type C-1 Type C-2 Type C-3

p1 = p2 = 0.3 p1 = p2 = 0.5 p1 = p2 = 0.7

Figure 26: Examples of basic variations: Type C.

10 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Type C-4 Type C-5

p1 = 0.5 p1 = 0.2
p2 = 0.3 p2 = 0.5

Figure 27: Examples of additional variations: Type C.

Type C-1 Type C-1 Type C-1 Type C-4 Type C-5

Figure 28: Type C patterning.

4.3.1. Side-Splitting Control Method. The side-splitting deviate from the segment; therefore, the critical point of the
method can be divided into the point on side control and segment must be appointed.
the radius control methods. In the point on side control If each point in Type A is controlled (Figure 13: 𝑝1 –𝑝8 ),
method, a point on a segment (Figure 19(a)) connecting each additional modification is possible as a complement to basic
angular point of an octagon with the middle point is set up modifications. If we control each of the eight points with
as a variable. Therefore, if the point on the segment moves, the same value, we can create a star pattern with a regular
the length of a line connecting point (a) on the segment with shape (Figure 20: Types A-1∼3). Conversely, if we control each
the middle point (Figure 19(b)) of each side of the octagon point with a different value, we can create a random pattern
changes. In the radius control method, the radius (𝑟) of a (Figure 21: Types A-4∼5).
circle, whose middle point is the middle of the octagon,
and the segment, which connects each angular point of (b) Radius Control (Type B). Radius control is a method
the octagon and the middle point, are set up as variables. that controls the radius value of a circle beginning from
Therefore, if the position of the cross-point (Figure 19(e)) of the middle point of an octagon as a manipulative variable
the circle and the segment (d) shifts, the length of the line (Figure 14: 𝑟). Once the value of the radius of a circle is
that connects them changes as well. set up, it is automatically connected to the cross-point with
each vector segment. It is relatively easy to control and
(a) Point on Segment Control Method (Type A). The point on has a simple mathematical formula (Figure 22). However,
segment control is a method that controls the position of a in contrast to the points in the segment control method,
point (Figure 13: 𝑝) on each vector segment (Figure 13: 𝑑) as additional modification is relatively difficult because the
a manipulative variable. Because the method can control the points are integrated by a circle. As with the radius control
respective positions of points on vector segments (0 < 𝑑 < method, if the radius value (𝑟) is not appointed, the size of the
1), it can change the vector into various shapes. However, it circle can increase toward infinity, and the cross-point with a
requires a complex mathematical formula, because it has to segment does not occur. Therefore, a critical point must be
analyze the position of each point on each segment. Because set up for the radius value (𝑟).
this method appoints the respective position of each point, If two types of the side-splitting control method, Type
it can set up each line with a different length. As a result, it A and Type B, are combined, the patterns will be as follows
can create modules of various shapes in an infinite number. If (Figures 23 and 24). Types A-1∼3 and Types B-1∼3 have dif-
the critical point is not appointed, the position of a point can ferent control methods, but they create combinations of the
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 11

Type D-1 Type D-2 Type D-3

p1 = 0.3 p1 = 0.5 p1 = 0.7

Figure 29: Examples of basic variations: Type D.

Type D-1 Type D-2 Type D-3

Figure 30: Type D patterning.

same shape. Also, Type A allows for additional modifications fewer points, because it needs to control only two points.
and can create different shapes in an infinite number, while Thanks to this, it can designate each segment with a different
additional modifications are difficult with Type B. length and create various module shapes. In this method,
once one module is controlled, the others are automatically
4.3.2. Single Module Expansion Method. The expansion of a controlled due to the fixed angle. As single modules are
single module can be divided into two methods: the point combined to form an octagon, it is highly likely to construct
on segment control and the side on segment control. This an equilateral octagon.
method is based on the idea that an octagon can be divided Because Type C can control two points (Figure 15: 𝑝1 ,
into eight triangles of the same shape (Figure 25(a)). It is 𝑝2 ) simultaneously, it can create additional variations to
based on a concept that once one module of a triangle is complement basic modifications. If the two points are con-
controlled, it rotationally deforms the other modules by 45∘ . trolled with the same value, this can create a star pattern
In the point on segment control method, a point on the with a regular shape (Figure 26: Types C-1∼3). If each point
segment (Figure 25(b)) which connects each angular point of is controlled with a different value, it can create a random
the octagon with the middle point is set up as a variable. If the pattern (Figure 27: Types C-4∼5). This becomes a module,
point on the segment shifts, the length of a line connecting the creating rotational modification (Figure 28).
middle point of each side of the octagon (Figure 25(c)) with
the point on the segment changes. However, in the side on (b) Side on Segment Control (Type D). Similar to the point
segment control method, the segment (Figure 25(e)) where on segment control method, the side on segment control
the bottom side (Figure 25(i)) of a triangle converges along method constructs an octagon by controlling a single module,
both sides (Figure 25(h)) to the middle point is set up as a which is one of the triangles in an octagon, and by expanding
variable. If this segment (e) shifts, the length of the segment a unit module (Figures 16, 29, and 30). However, unlike
that connects the cross-point (f) of both sides (h) with the the segment control method, additional modifications are
middle point (g) of the segment (i) changes. relatively difficult because the control is integrated to one side
that moves above the vector segments on both sides.
(a) Point on Segment Control (Type C). The point on segment
control is a method that constructs the expansion of a single 4.4. Type-Specific Evaluation Analysis. This study will look
module by controlling one of the triangles which forms an into the Islamic star pattern formation of a geometric figure
octagon. As this control method uses the position of a point combination of 4.8.8, which appears in Hankin’s method,
(Figure 15: 𝑝) on each vector segment (Figure 15: 𝑑) as a depending on the four types of parameter control, and then
manipulative variable, it has to analyze the position of a point will analyze the modification possibility and the convenience
on each vector segment and requires a complex mathematical of algorithm designs of each of the four types of parameter
formula. Compared to Type A, this method controls relatively control.
12 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Figure 31: Pattern variations using Attractor Algorithm.

4.4.1. Modification Possibility. Modification possibility means and its mathematical formula algorithm has an outstanding
how diversely a basic geometric figure can be modified. design convenience (Figure 31). The level of convenience of a
Basically, by appropriately controlling the parameter of each mathematical formula algorithm is determined by whether
of the four types of parameter control, we can modify patterns the mathematical formula that controls the parameters is
into diverse shapes [Types A∼D-1∼3]. However, whether simple or complex. If the parameters are controlled indi-
additional modifications are possible or not will depend vidually, the mathematical formula becomes complex. If
on whether the parameters are individually controlled or the parameters are integrated, the mathematical formula is
integrated. If the parameters are individually controlled [Type relatively simple. Therefore, the design convenience for even
A, Type C], it is possible to modify them into other patterns. the same shape of patterns can vary depending on whether
In contrast, if the parameters are integrated [Type B, Type D], parameters are controlled individually or are integrated.
it is relatively difficult to produce additional modifications. Among the four types of parameter control, the integrated
method which controls only the radius value [Type B] has
the simplest mathematical algorithm and therefore a high
4.4.2. Design Algorithm Convenience (Program Implementa- design convenience. The method which has to control each
tion Supremacy). In this paper, the convenience of design individual parameter [Type A] has the highest modification
is analyzed from an algorithm perspective. In terms of the possibility, but a low design convenience because of the
implementation of mathematical formula algorithms, if a relatively complex mathematical algorithm (Table 1).
program has a relatively simple mathematical formula and is
convenient to control, implementation of the program is easy 4.4.3. Subconclusion. See Table 1.
 Table 1: Type-specific evaluation analysis.
Side splitting Single module expansion
Type
Point on segment control (Type B) Point on segment control Side on segment control
Surface type
(Type A) Radius control (Type B) (Type C) (Type D)

Conceptual diagram
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

(i) Controls only the radius: creates a (i) Easy modulation for (i) Easy modulation for
Controls each line
greater number of regular modules construction: allows for an construction: allows for an
individually: creates different
Characteristics than the point on segment control economical production system economical production system
module shapes in a finite
(ii) Requires a complex mathematical (ii) Can create different types of (ii) Additional modification is
number
formula to create an octagon modules difficult
Evaluation items
Modification possibility I △ I △
Expandability I I △ △
Construction convenience △ I I
Module diversity I △ I △

Additional modification types

Possible Difficult Possible Difficult

Design convenience Low < high
(program implementation supremacy) Type A < Type C < Type D < Type B
13
14 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

5. Conclusion
This study aims to analyze and modify the Islamic star pattern
using digital algorithm, introducing a method to efficiently
modify and control classical geometric patterns through
experiments and applications of computer algorithm. This
study reveals that with the help of algorithmic design strategy
we can analyze and undermine the rigidity of the classical
geometry of Islamic star pattern and expand its design
potentials. Clear understandings of the classical geometry
and proper experiments with digital algorithm can contribute
to overcoming the gap between the classical geometry and
the digital technology and to laying out a solid foundation
for efficiency and flexibility in developing future designs and
material fabrication.

Conflict of Interests
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests
regarding the publication of this paper.

Acknowledgment
This paper was supported by the National Research Founda-
tion of Korea no. NRF-2013R1A1A2058553.

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