The Aesthetics of Scale: Weaving Mathematical Understandings
Eva Knoll, Wendy Landry, Tara Taylor, Paul Carreiro, and Susan Gerofsky

Proceedings of Bridges 2015: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture
Pages 533–540
Workshop Papers

Abstract

The use of visual arts applications to illustrate mathematical concepts is an old idea. Most instances, however, involve the observation and analysis of finished works and artefacts, rather than focusing on the making of them. We propose the idea of making with rigour, which incorporates the deliberate attending to mathematical structures into the process of making artefacts using specifically selected techniques. In this workshop, we suggest that there are additional insights to be gained by learners through the making process. Further, working in the same medium and technique at multiple scales can develop mathematical sensitivities. This enhances understanding by exposing mathematically essential properties that remain constant across multiple scales, yet are observed through the diverse perspectives afforded by the differing scales. The workshop will bring these ideas to light through participant experience and subsequent discussion.

Files