Geometry: How Do We Use It?

When we think geometry, we often think of shapes, but you may be wondering: why is it important to learn about shapes and their properties? If you were putting together a shelf for your room, you wouldn't want your books to fall off the shelf, so how do you figure that out? You have to figure out what angle the shelf is at. Let's consider this diagram below, which I made for easier explanation:

You want the sides of the bookshelf to be at 90 degree angles because they will fall down otherwise. Additionally, you want the shelves themselves to be at 90 degree angles, otherwise the books will not stay in place. If, for example, the structure of the bookshelf was set up for us and we just had to put the shelves in, we would assume the structure was at 90 degree angles. We can use a level, which measures angle, to see if our shelves are at 0 degrees, meaning it is flat. If our shelves are at 0 degrees, we know they are in the right place.

Besides obviously using angles in our daily lives, how else is geometry used in our lives?

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Similar to the construction of a bookshelf in my example, buildings are constructed using geometry.

If we had a building with sides not at 90 degree angles, it would most likely fall down and not be able to support itself. In New England, we need our roofs to be slanted downwards at a specific angle so snow falls off our roofs and our roofs don't collapse from the weight of the snow.

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Computer graphics (including graphics on tablets and phones) are also designed using geometrical concepts. Look at this lock screen:

Our phones use geometrical concepts to make things aesthetically pleasing. You can see the different margins and equal distances to the edge of the screen that make each aspect centered. Not only are these aspects centered, but they are also all level. We can see that every aspect, besides the flashlight and camera buttons, are encapsulated in a box shape, and the corner of each box makes a 90 degree angle. Geometry helps us align aspects of this lock screen in shape formations to please the human eye.

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Not only is geometry used in computer graphics, but it is also used in art.

One collection that stands out to me in this aspect is one from the Pheonix Art Collection, which, according to them, "utilizes shapes, lines, curves, and other geometric and mathematical properties and principles to create captivating experiences that stick with you." Here are my three favorites:

Here is the link to their website if you want to see more: Geometry in Art - Phoenix Art Museum (phxart.org)

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Another art form--interior design--uses geometric concepts. When reading up on this, there were three distinct points on geometry in interior design: shape/space, patterns/art, and balance.

For shape and space, interior designers must consider different size rooms into their plans. Functional space left in the room needs to be taken into account. It is obvious that a large table wouldn't go into a small room, but there is more to it than that. A small room could have a circular table, but a circular table would not look as good in a large room. Therefore, a large room needs a rectangular table.

In terms of patterns and art, different types of patterns and art can give the room a whole different energy, for lack of a better word. The psychology behind it is complicated, so I suggest you read about it if you're interested, but different shapes in interior design evoke different psychological responses.

Triangular and conic patterns reportedly "show direction and progress."

Rectangular patterns represent "stability and conformity."

Circles and waves make a space "graceful and harmonious."

Using these geometrical concepts, interior designers make sure the shapes and sizes of furniture, accessories, and other decor, like paintings, are all cohesive. Once a space like this is cohesive, it becomes aesthetically pleasing to us and functional for everyday life.

If you want to learn more and see the articles these photos are from, check these out:

Geometry in interior design - Playing with shapes! (cindrebay.com)

Interior Designing Elements: Geometry in Interior Designing - Hamstech

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Thank you for stopping by and learning about how geometry applies to your life. Here's a source I used in addition to the ones already linked above:

Geometry in Daily Life - Meaning, Applications, Uses, and FAQs (vedantu.com)

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