Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 7, 2026

Architectural geometry

Architectural geometry is an area of research which combines applied geometry and architecture, which looks at the design, analysis and manufacture processes. It lies at the core of architectural design and strongly challenges contemporary practice, the so-called architectural practice of the digital age.

Last revised
Jun 7, 2026
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Architectural geometry is an area of research which combines applied geometry and architecture,1 which looks at the design, analysis and manufacture processes. It lies at the core of architectural design2 and strongly challenges contemporary practice, the so-called architectural practice of the digital age.3

Architectural geometry is influenced by following fields: differential geometry, topology, fractal geometry, and cellular automata.

polyhedral approximation of a cyclide-offset. source ↗

Topics include:

  • freeform curves and surfaces creation
  • developable surfaces
  • discretisation
  • generative design
  • digital prototyping and manufacturing
See also

See also

References

References

  1. H. Pottmann; A. Asperl; M. Hofer; A. Kilian (2007). Architectural Geometry. Bentley Institute Press. ISBN 978-1-934493-04-5.
  2. H. Pottmann, M. Hofer and A. Kilian (Ed.) (2008). Advances in Architectural Geometry 2008, Conference Proceedings. Vienna University of Technology. ISBN 978-3-902233-03-5.
  3. Branko Kolarevic (2003). Architecture in the Digital Age. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-0-415-27820-1.
External links

Theory

Institutions

Companies

Events

Resource collections

Tools

  • K3DSurf — A program to visualize and manipulate Mathematical models in three, four, five and six dimensions. K3DSurf supports Parametric equations and Isosurfaces
  • JavaView — a 3D geometry viewer and a mathematical visualization software.
  • Generative Components — Generative design software that captures and exploits the critical relationships between design intent and geometry.
  • ParaCloud GEM— A software for components population based on points of interest, with no requirement for scripting.
  • Grasshopper— a graphical algorithm editor tightly integrated with Rhino's 3-D modeling tools.