Geometric
Window Art
IB Concepts
• Unit Question: Why and how do we create?
• Content Question: In what ways has
geometry influenced art?
• AoI: Human Ingenuity
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to improve
student understanding and to apply
concepts of geometry and measurement,
such as area and perimeter. It will also
encourage student appreciation of
geometric applications and principles that
influence art.
Stained Glass
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Inspiration for this project
Aesthetically pleasing
Realistic applications of geometry
Date back to medieval times
Medieval Glass
Stained glass windows as we know them,
became prolific when elaborate Christian
church building began.
By the 10th century, depictions of Christ
and biblical scenes were found in French and
German churches and decorative designs
found in England.
Rose Window
• Circular stained glass window
• The rose window is one of the most
ornate and characteristic features of
medieval architecture, especially of the
French Gothic.
• Can be seen in many countries including:
– Australia
– England
– Italy
– France
Frank Lloyd Wright
• American architect (1867-1959)
• Recognized in 1991 by the
American Institute of Architects as
"the greatest American architect of all time“
• Modern example of stained glass
• The simple geometric shapes combine to
make very complex and intricate windows
Connection to Geometry
Many shapes and designs are evident in
stained glass windows, from highly elaborate
and varied patterns, to geometric and
repetitive designs.
Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not
only truth, but also supreme beauty.
Bertrand Russell