Javier Barrallo and Santiago Sanchez-Beitia - Mathematics and Structural Repair of Gothic Structures

Nexus 2004

Javier Barrallo and Santiago Sanchez-Beitia
School of Architecture, The University of the Basque Country
Plaza de Onati 2 - 20018 San Sebastian, SPAIN

The relationship between classical architecture and mathematics is well known. Architecture, unlike other scientific disciplines, can be used as a never-ending source of numerical, algebraic, geometric, analytic and topologic problems, to name just a few fields of mathematics. A modern concept of architecture should necessarily include mathematics for its comprehension. Reciprocally, the teaching of mathematics in architecture should be based on the constructive event to be effective. Interdisciplinary education provides a positive stimulus for both teachers and students, resulting in a much more persistent and interesting training. It is obvious that mathematical knowledge acquired inside an architectural environment is more likely to be applied by future architects after their university studies. As an example of this way of learning mathematics, in this paper we will show some ideas and mathematical concepts related to one of the more complex branches of architecture: restoration, repair, and maintenance of Gothic buildings.

N2004-Barrallo


ABOUT THE AUTHORS
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. was born in Bilbao, Spain, in 1964. He is Professor of Mathematics at the School of Architecture of the University of the Basque Country in San Sebastian. He studied Computing Engineering at the University of Deusto, Bilbao, and obtained his PhD degree with a work about fractal algorithms in 1992. Since then, he has published several books and works about computer art and design, organized several courses and conferences about Art and Mathematics (ISAMA, BRIDGES, Mathematics & Design). He has directed many exhibitions in galleries and museums all over the world under the main title "The Frontier between Art and Science". As a second investigation branch he has become a qualified expert in computer measurement and simulation of heritage buildings, especially gothic structures. He has collaborated in the restoration projects of several well-known Spanish buildings.

The correct citation for this paper is:
Javier Barrallo, "Mathematics and Structural Repair of Gothic Structures", pp. 21-30 in Nexus V: Architecture and Mathematics, ed. Kim Williams and Francisco Delgado Cepeda, Fucecchio (Florence): Kim Williams Books, 2004.