Parametric methods for constructing the Islamic ornament

Abstract

The article discusses the method of algorithmic construction of Islamic ornaments, which can be used as a decorative element in architectural design. Two necessary stages are highlighted in the generation of an ornamental motif by means of algorithmic design – the first includes operations on a base mesh consisting of a combination of regular or semiregular cells, for example, drawing rays from the centers of the edges of the original lattice or rotating figures relative to its nodes; the second stage involves the creation of a basic pattern of the ornamental design that fits into a regular or semi-regular polygon, and the decorative motif in the figure is made up of a primitive that is symmetrically reflected relative to any lines, usually rays, emanating from opposite corners of the polygon. The paper analyses the traditional patterns of Islamic ornaments, on the basis of which new designs were built, using visual programming tools (Rhino and Grasshopper).