Beauty, Form and Function: An Exploration of Symmetry Asset No. 3 PART I Concepts in Symmetry Lecture I-2 Symmetry in Common Objects
Objectives By the end of this lecture, you will be able to: define what ‘symmetrical’ means recognize ‘asymmetrical’ objects identify the basic features of point symmetry and one-dimensional symmetry describe the beauty, form and function of point symmetry and one-dimensional symmetry
Symmetry in Common Objects Symmetry is harmony of form based on a proportionate arrangement of parts. Concise Collins Dictionary Asymmetry is the lack or absence of symmetry. Concise Collins Dictionary Symmetric Objects Asymmetric Objects Observing symmetry depends how you look at something!
Automotive Symmetry How many mirror lines are in this alloy wheel? 6 Are all the mirror lines identical? No, 2 unique Point Symmetry is 6mm Point symmetry exists when an object is built around a single point at the center of the figure. Number of mirror lines? 360o/3 = 120o Number of mirror lines? 3 Identical mirror lines? No mirrors? What’s happening? Yes 3-fold rotation Point Symmetry is 3m Point Symmetry is 3
Birds & Symmetry Repeating Units Mirror Asymmetric Unit Mirror Line Roosting Birds Standard Representation Mirror + Translation Asymmetric Unit Shore Birds Glide Line
Summary Symmetrical objects contain matching parts within the whole. Commonly recognized symmetry operations include reflection and rotation. In point symmetry only reflection (mirror lines) and rotation (about a point occur). In plane symmetry a compound operation called glide is introduced that a combination of reflection and translation.
Bibliographies Date Retrieved: 9 Jan 2014 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_National_Treasures_of_Japan_(sculptures) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/Copa.jpg http://www.debate.org/debates/Resolved-A-shot-glass-is-a-cup/1/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symmetry_in_biology http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Motorola_V_series_phones http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alarm_clock
Bibliographies Date Retrieved: 9 Jan 2014 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:White-crowned-Sparrow.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Pied_Oystercatcher.jpg