Fractal Islamic Geometric Patterns Based on Arrangements of {n/2} Stars
Phil Webster

Proceedings of Bridges 2013: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture
Pages 87–94
Regular Papers

Abstract

Within traditional Islamic geometric design, there is a small but distinct subset of patterns which incorporate no- tions of self-similarity. Such patterns typically use exactly two overlapping levels of self-similarity, with each level comprising similar motifs at two different, related scales. Recently I have constructed a large number of fractal Islamic patterns that pursue a different notion of self-similarity, simultaneously incorporating motifs at multiple—often, infinite—scales within a single pattern. I will first highlight the ways in which these patterns are distinct in nature from related work, both traditional and contemporary. Then, I will explain the details of the technique I have devised for using arrangements of {n/2} stars as a basis for discovering and constructing a wide variety of new fractal Islamic patterns.

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