Many people worldwide who wanted to be an architect but were unable to do so because they were weak in maths. Not many people realize the importance of learning basic mathematics in schools.

Everyone should know that no matter what, everything in this world revolves around mathematics and science. The same goes for architecture, where mathematics is the base foundation for this field.

For example, consider the buildings and structures around you. Every building in this world is a combination of design, construction, and mathematical principles.

The building you have been in, maybe your home, school, library, movie theatres, or a sports complex, every one of them is built based on some mathematical principles applied to construction and design.

  • So, how much mathematics knowledge do I need to have to become an architect?
  • Will there be subjects related to mathematics in the architecture graduation program?
  • Does an architect need to be an expert in Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry?
  • If I am weak in mathematics, should I plan to become an architect?

We are sure that if you are planning to become an architect, these questions must have come to your mind at some point in time. You do not have to worry even a little bit, even if you are weak in maths.

As long as you are ready to do some hard work and study basic mathematics concepts, everything should be fine, and we believe that you will become a fantastic architect. We will now look at how mathematics is essential in Architecture.

Mathematics in Architecture

If you want to become a great architect, you should have a good grasp of maths concepts, especially in Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry. But even if you are weak in some subjects, that doesn’t mean that you cannot pursue this field. If you are passionate enough, then you can conquer anything, even maths.

Mathematics has been the core foundation of architecture, even during the 300 B.C. It is utilised by architects to communicate their designs to the construction workers who will then erect the structure.

Arithmetic is expected to investigate and figure basic issues to design an answer that will guarantee that a structure will stay standing and stable. Every architect continuously uses mathematical formulas every day; it may be to convert units, measure the length, breadth, and height, and to calculate area and volume. These are just simple examples; there are complex things like calculating the effects of weights on structures.

We will now look at how architects use Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry in their jobs.

Algebra in Architecture

In architectural work, people use numerous aspects of algebraic math in their work. They need to know the components of the pieces they work with and ensure they utilise the perfect amount, which requires adding and taking away a certain quantity of material to be efficient.

Algebra holds a massive function in calculating and making the design and plan. Engineers apply these numerical structures to design their outlines or starting point. They likewise figure the likelihood of issues the construction team could run into as they start working on the building’s structure.

Architects depend highly on algebra to design the structure’s inclinations and identify the points to make right estimations for the base of the structure to be steady and safe. They also use algebra to ascertain the weight and measurements of specific structures and ensure they are durable.

Pythagoras Theorem – Application of Algebra in Architecture

One of the most common algebraic theorems that architect’s use is the Pythagoras theorem. Discovered during the 6th century, the Pythagoras theorem, the foundation of algebra in architecture, plays a vital role in building any building. It has been used for centuries to calculate the shape and size of the building.

With the Pythagoras theorem’s help, the architects can measure the exact angle of the structure and determine if the structure is stable or not.

Example: Every roof of the building follows the Pythagoras theorem. The square of the slope’s length will be equal to the sum of the other sides’ square. This is just one of the applications of algebra in architecture. There are a lot more theorems and algebraic formulas that the architects use while doing their jobs.

Geometry in Architecture

We can say that architecture was essentially developed from geometry. Ever since monumental structures and buildings started coming up, architects heavily depended on geometry to design their masterpieces.

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Look at the Stonehenge in Britain; the builders used inspiration from geometry and then applied mathematical principles to give it a form. With Stonehenge, you can see that all the stones are rectangles and placed in a circular design.

If an architect wants to create their masterpiece, then they have to master the domain of geometry. To understand it better, lets us look at a simple example.

All the building walls in the building should be at a 90-degree angle with the floor and the ceiling. Even if one angle is wrong, then the whole building could collapse.

The Golden Ratio – Application of Geometry in Architecture

For ages, architects have utilised geometry standards to design the shapes and spatial types of structures. It all started in 300 B.C., where Euclid, a Greek mathematician, came up with the Golden Ratio.

Ever since then, every architect has used the Golden Ratio concept to design structures that look amazing. When we talk about how architects use geometric principles in architecture, it all comes down to the Golden Ratio, which is one of the basic principles.

There are also other ways of how architects use geometry in their jobs. When they want to design anything, they should have a good grasp of concepts such as angles, triangles, rectangles, and arches. Every structure or building that has been created has the principles of geometry embedded in it.

Trigonometry in Architecture

Using trigonometry, an architect can express the shapes and forms of a structure or buildings to their exact specification, and the contractor can produce them. To ensure the structure’s stability, architects must use trigonometry, calculating exact angles and the distances and how much of each material will be required.

Architects also rely on trigonometry to find the light angles, structural loads, the buildings’ height, ground surfaces and calculate the roof’s slope.

Trigonometry is the main concept architects use to calculate various measurements, draw angles, and design their structures. This will then be sent to the contractors to construct the building.

One of the most common examples of trigonometry in architecture is to get the height of the building located at a distance away. With the help of cosines and sines, we can easily calculate the height of the building.

Truss Analysis — Application of Trigonometry in Architecture

Designing structure that can handle load forces applied to them is crucial for architects. They often use trusses in their design to transfer load forces to support. A truss is like a beam but lighter and more efficient. The support could be a beam or a column.

You can use trigonometry and vectors to determine the forces that will be present in the structure. Trigonometry is the only way to determine the forces and stress that are not horizontal or vertical.

An architect may also need to determine stresses at all points of the structure and its diagonal members at a certain angle and the known load attached to a different part of the structure.

To Sum Up

So we now know that mathematics and architecture go hand in hand. Mostly everything about architecture follows the principles of maths. Above, we have only seen a small part of how architects use mathematical principles such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry in their day to day life.

The application of such mathematical concepts is fascinating and vast in the field of architecture. Therefore, to become a great architect, a person should be proficient in maths and designing.

After going through this article, you must have a fair idea about the importance of maths concepts in architecture. If you or your child is planning to become an architect, the first plan of action will be to clear your concepts of maths, which is the foundation for architecture. Cuemath is an excellent platform with specialised maths tutors to help your child improve their ideas to become what they aspire.

One Response

  1. gaurav singh
    December 11, 2020

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