Teaching Design Science: An Exploration of Geometric Structures
Carl Fasano

Bridges London: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture
Pages 445–450

Abstract

The late Dr. Arthur Loeb, professor in the Department of Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard University, developed and taught Design Science/Synergetics, an exploration of three-dimensional space, and Visual Mathematics, which explored the parameters of structure in two and three dimensions for more than two decades. The main foci of design science were geometry, mathematics, design and the beauty that resulted from this marriage. Dr. Loeb’s widow, Charlotte Loeb, donated the Design Science Teaching Collection to the Edna Lawrence Nature Lab at Rhode Island School of Design in 2003. In its new environment, the Teaching Collection is inspiring both faculty and students. This paper includes examples of models made by RISD students in response to questions arising from the study of geometry and design science. I will also discuss how a heuristic approach to teaching design science meshes synergistically with an art and design curriculum.

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