As a teen, I remember my father working intently into the early hours. He was completing architectural designs for clients. Sometimes, I would often leaf through his subscriptions of “Architectural Digest”, admiring the contemporary designs of certain buildings. How they were able to integrate a man-made structure into the natural environment around them, it took my breath away. One example of this is Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Falling Water” home design. In 2019, UNESCO listed the structure as a World Heritage Site due to its global significance. In my world, structural design and buildings have become part of my DNA. Now, I realize how valid a statement that actually is.
INTERVIEW with ARI LAZER
The Geometry of Life
Recently, I started exploring the topic of sacred geometry in relation to architecture. Due, in part, to an upcoming interview in February with Ari Lazer, an interdisciplinary artist and educator. As a designer, it was his focus “to give people spaces where they can feel the world around them.” In his “about page” video, Ari mentions that scientists, in 2003, discovered that the universe resembles a “Dodecahedron”. A dodecahedron is one of many known sacred geometric shapes. Therefore, I desired to learn more about how sacred geometry integrates into the architectural design process. What is Sacred Geometry, though?
Sacred Geometry is the idea that all of life and the universe is based on certain foundational forms and structures. These structures promote symmetry, harmony, meditative, and energetic flow. So, it is understood that in the macro and micro levels of our existence, all the geometric forms are echoed.
Sacred Geometric Symbols.
RESOURCE: https://www.wikihow.com/Sacred-Geometry-Symbols
Above the Vesica Piscis, Egg of Life, Seed of Life and Flower of Life all symbolize creation. These 4 geometric forms represent expansion and growth in the universe. Plus, they embody the creation of life itself. For example, the Egg of Life shape is found in the mitosis of cell division. Additionally, the Flower of Life is an expansion of all of the previous forms. This geometric form contains the secrets of the Universe. These forms are evident in a variety of cultures around the world from ancient times.
Meanwhile, the Sri Yantra is a Hindu symbol that holds 9 interlocking triangles that form 43 smaller ones. This complex shape represents the cosmos and the entire universe. It symbolizes the unity of masculine and feminine energies. Plus, it is used in meditation and rituals to promote prosperity, peace, and harmony.
The Torus or Toroid, symbolizes the flow of energy, infinity and the cycle of life throughout the universe. For example, galaxy clusters (also known as cosmic donuts), certain cloud formations, tornadoes, and whirlpools are torus structures.
Finally, the last one we will look at is the Golden Spiral. It is the visual representation of the Fibonacci Sequence or Golden Mean. This mathematical formula is one of many used in architecture and technology. This shape can be found in flower petals, pine cones, tree branches, and seashells. More thorough information is discussed in the resources below.
Building on an Ancient and Universal Foundation
Now, let’s dig into architectural design specifically. What are the current principles of building design? Here are summaries of the Core Design Approaches and Methodologies for Architecture in lay terms:
- 1. Site-Inspired Design – “Thinking of the neighborhood.” This principle considers the surrounding environment when approaching design.
- 2. Parametric/Algorithmic Design –“Building with code.” The architect uses computer software to set “rules” (like: make the windows bigger where the sun hits hardest).
- 3. Biophilic Design – “Bringing the outside in.” The goal is to make people feel happier by connecting them to nature.
- 4. Research-Driven Design –“Considering the facts.” Before drawing anything, the architect looks at data. They study how people walk through a room, how light affects mood, or how many people will use the lobby.
- 5. Form Finding & Geometry – “Playing with shapes.”This is about finding the best structure using math and shapes. The architect experiments with circles (radial). They also try curvilinear (curved) and rectilinear (straight-line) grids.
- 6. Conceptual/Symbolic Methods –“Constructing founded in story.” The design is based on a big idea or a metaphor. The “meaning” of the building is just as important as the building itself.
Summary
After reviewing these methodologies, I decided to do an analysis of a well-known sacred geometric building, the Egyptian Pyramids. Of course, the Parametric/Algorithmic Design Principle probably won’t follow the rules. Nonetheless, it is important to remember that the Golden Mean and mathematics have been used throughout history. These are both the foundations of current technology. As well, the following video is an interesting discussion on Geometry and Architecture. The narrator is a professor from the University of Illinois in Chicago.
Comparatively Speaking
When I compared the architectural principles of the Egyptian Pyramids, I used Gemini, Google’s AI engine. It helped me summarize this analysis, and the results are in the table below.
| Method | Applied? | Evidence |
| Site-Inspired | Yes | Alignment with cardinal points and bedrock selection. |
| Parametric | No | Lacked digital technology (though used math ratios). |
| Biophilic | Partial | Use of natural stone and creation myths. |
| Research – Driven | Yes | Builders evolved their info from Step Pyramids to “True” Pyramids. |
| Form/Geometry | Yes | Mastery of the square base and the Golden Ratio. |
| Conceptual | Yes | Design served as a literal “stairway to heaven.” |
Sacred Design in Modern Architecture
Now, I decided to review a modern architectural example. Do current architects still consider sacred geometry in their designs? Geometric diagrams, both sacred and secular, look at the principles of unity, duality, polarity, equilibrium, and proportion. This is what creates symmetry and flow within the designs. What makes sacred geometric designs different is the qualitative ideals from my point of view. When considering sacred geometry, some primary concerns are the energy and movement. We’ll explore the Guggenheim Museum as an example.
In my twenties, I made my first trip to New York. During my art studies, this stop was the first on my list. Also, it was my first NYC (New York City) architectural image taken as an amateur photographer. To me, it is the perfect example of architectural design using sacred geometry.
The Commission
Frank Lloyd Wright was 76 years old when he was commissioned by Solomon R. Guggenheim and his art advisor, Hilla Rebay. The project took 16 years from the beginning to its opening day in 1959. During that time, Guggenheim himself passed away six years after the commencement. Then Wright passed away 6 months before the opening. Symbolically, it likened itself to Mozart’s Requiem in D minor for Wright. Like Amadeus, Wright wouldn’t live to see its completion; similarly, he wouldn’t allow any shortcuts or compromises.
Like the harmonic collaboration between the masculine and the feminine mentioned in the Sri Yanta, so too was this project. After Solomon’s passing, the project’s momentum relied on Rebay and Wright himself. “They envisioned a “temple of the spirit,” a place where modern, non-objective art could be experienced in a wholly new way.” Wright’s ongoing commitment to organic architectural practices was unyielding to the end.
The Structure
Being site-inspired, the Guggenheim was placed alongside one of Manhattan’s other landmarks, Central Park. This was intentional as Wright wanted the building to capture the intrinsic emotional flow from nature into the building. Another unique design consideration is its reference to an “inverted Ziggurat”. A Ziggurat is a stepped pyramid, tapering upwards.
Seeing the spiral design both inside and out brings one’s attention directly to Sacred Geometry’s Golden Spiral. Even though the construction isn’t true to the Sacred Spiral, its flow is. The energy and lines flow smoothly both inside and out. For instance, the interior space is much like a ribbon wrapping itself downwards. Meanwhile, the concrete wall facades spin around a central courtyard. Upon entering the rotunda, the purveyors would take an elevator up to the top floor, then slowly meander downwards. The open corridors featured artworks that would be viewed while ascending down the walkway.
Looking upwards, a large oculus (round window) provided natural light into the building. This particular window feature echoed ancient architecture reminiscent of the Pantheon. As well, the Conceptual and Biophilic choice in design shifted the light and shadow, linking the interior to the sky. Wright intentionally used it for practical and symbolic reasons. Rebay, herself, desired that the museum encapsulate the spiritual energy of the cosmos, coinciding with Wright’s decisions.
A Modern Monument of Vision
Over its lifetime, the building has had its share of controversy and challenges. Because of its unique structural design and materials became one reason for its sixteen-year construction delays. Even after its opening, the Guggenheim met resistance from artists based on its internal design for their art pieces. However, the building has become one of America’s most recognized architectural designs. Furthering the development of complementary structures in Bilbao, Venice, and Abu Dhabi.
CONCLUSIONS
Whether we look at the Egyptian Pyramids, the Pantheon, or the Solomon Guggenheim Museum, these structures invite reverence. It is no surprise that many of the commonalities they hold have some parallels with Sacred Geometry. Their energy, flow, sometimes structural, and architectural design have become otherworldly.
RESOURCES:
- Deep Dive in the Guggenheims’ Legacy
- WIKIHow on Sacred Geometry
- 7 Sacred Geometry Symbols and Their Meanings
- Wikipedia on Sacred Geometry
- Sacred Geometry in Architecture
- Rethinking the Future; Sacred Design
- Frank Lloyd Wright Wikipedia
- GEOMETRY and ARCHITECTURE Explained
- GUGGENHEIM Museum – Revolution in Modern Architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright – UrbArchitect