ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH, Vol. 16, No. 4(December 2014). pp.

175-183 pISSN 1229-6163 eISSN 2383-5575

Application of Fractal Geometry to Architectural Design

Myung-Sik Lee
Professor, Division of Architectural Engeering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea

http://dx.doi.org/10.5659/AIKAR.2014.16.4.175

Abstract Contemporary architecture tends to deconstruct modern architecture based on rationalization just like reductionism and
functionalism and secedes from it. It means change from mechanical to organic and ecological view of the world. According to these
changes, consideration of a compositive relationship presented variety and complexity in architecture. Thus, the modern speculation based
on rationalism cannot provide an alternative interpretation about complicated architectural phenomena. At this point in time, the purpose
of this study is to investigate the possibilities of the fractal as an alternative tool of analysis and design in contemporary architecture. In this
study, two major aspects are discussed. First, the fractal concepts just like ‘fractal dimension’, ‘box-counting dimension’ and ‘fractal rhythm’
can be applied to analysis in architecture. Second, the fractal formative principles just like ‘scaling’, ‘superimposition trace’, ‘distortion’ and
‘repetition’ can be applied to design in architecture. Fractal geometry similar to nature’s patterned order can provide endless possibilities for
analysis and design in architecture. Therefore further study of fractal geometry should be conducted synthetically from now on.

Keywords: Fractal, Fractal Dimension, Box-Counting Dimension, Fractal rhythm, Self-Similarity, Non-Linearity, Randomness

1. INTRODUCTION thinking of non-decisive possibility. Conversion of world view and

thinking has been reflected as an attempt to build up architecture
1.1 Background and purpose of the study in a composite relation in which multidimensional variables are
Ruling values and change of thought in an era have transformed intervened, and thereby it makes modern architecture as highly
thinking diversely also in architecture. Diversion of paradigm in complex and diversified forms emerging from the existing single
science is coming out as new attempts challenging the existing form.
system in architecture. Nowadays advanced architects are putting
their theoretical background on a world view of science, and they Table 1. Change of design consideration trend1
are reflecting its flow of change into architecture. Ancient times Modern times Present age
Since the Thoma Kun’s paradigm theor y, it has been Sort of space and time Space-time Space-time-information
understood that history is not of straight line by passage of time Absolute Relative Interactional
but a process for trend of human thinking to be substituted. Fixed Solidity Movement
Also in architecture it can be said that division of an age such Essence Material Information
as ancient times, modern times and present age is a change of Individual Separated Variety
design consideration trend. Analogical Mechanical Digital
Architectural design in present age attempts to secede from Entire undivided Fragment Fractal
recent architecture based on perfect rationality like reductionism Invariability Variable Evolution
or functionalism and rather to show its dismantling or secession Predictable Measurable Particular
from it. It means a conversion from mechanical world view to Formality Abstract Mixture
External Structure Inner structure
organic · ecological world view, and from decisive thinking to
Singular Entire singular Hybrid
Corresponding Author : Myung-Sik Lee, Professor ⇩ ⇩ ⇩
Cooperation action by
Dongguk University-Seoul, Division of Architectural Control by rule Order through relation combination
(control) (order)
Engineering, Seoul, Korea (synergy)
Tel: +82 2 2260 3610 e-mail : [email protected]
Therefore it is a difficult situation to interpret complexity and
This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through
diversification of modern architecture only with the existingtheories
the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry
based on rationalism. Accordingly the purpose of this study is to
of Education(NRF-2013R1A1A2009016)
propose ‘fractal’, which is one of scientific theories on complexity
being raised as a new paradigm of the 21st century, as an alternative
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative appropriate to interpretation of modern architecture, and thereby
Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons. to review its possibility.
org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is 1
Gausa, Manuel and et al., Recomposed from P. 626 of The Metapolis
properly cited.
Dictionary of Advanced Architecture, Distributed Art Pub Inc., 2003, P. 626

©Copyright 2014 Architectural Institute of Korea.

176 Myung-Sik Lee

Moreover, the purpose of this study is also to review application 2.2 Creation principle of fractal geometry
cases and extension possibility of fractal formative principle, which Fractal geometry is developed by
is a new theory being pursued by modern architects, and thereby means of algorithm differently from
to extend formative language in the aspect of architectural design classical geometry to be developed
method and process. in numerical formulae. If a certain
Accordingly in this study, application possibility of fractal figure is inputted and then fractal
geometry in modern architecture is to be closely examined more equation computes its result, its next Figure 1. Feedback algorithm
widely through close examination of fractal’s principles applicable result is obtained from repeated
not only to architectural design process and logic but also to feedback to be substituted again by
interpretation. the equation.
Development direction of the study is as follows; Firstly, Since fractal geometry is created
subjective concept and formative feature of fractal geometry will be with computer by using a series of
reviewed through theoretical consideration, and thereby principle equation having a mathematical
applicable as tools for analysis and method of architectural design form of non-linear feedback, Euclid
will be reviewed. Secondly, concept of fractal applicable in the shape is not drawn. It is because
aspect of analysis, and fractal formative principles to be utilized minute change can cause dramatic
Figure 2. Bracken produces
in the aspect of design method will be reviewed focused on the effects due to sudden non-predictive by IFIS
cases respectively. Thirdly, a possibility of fractal geometry as tools phenomena to appear in repetitive
for analysis and method of architectural design will be reviewed operation process. Namely, fractal has a creative attribute in which
through application of previously suggested fractal concepts and small change of information incorporated in creation causes
formative principles into analysis and method of architectural complex structures and consequently brings substantial change of
design. shape.

2. THEORETICAL CONSIDERATION OF 2.3 Type of fractal geometry

FRACTICAL GEOMETRY In representative type of fractal geometry, there are Cantor dust,
Koch curve, Sierpinski gasket, and Mandelbrot set. Summarizing
2.1 Chaos and fractal those shapes and creation process, it is as shown in Table 2;
Chaos which is a paradigm of scientific theory in the 21st century
is a theory to deal with moving of system difficult to predict due Table 2. Type of fractal geometry
to its complexity and irregularity. Chaos means confusion and type form morphosis
disorder. But it connotes order, and also it has a creative ability to
self-organize abundant structures dynamically.2 Cantor dust ·Infinity repeat of process that removes
middle 1/3 portion and leave both 0 ~
Fractal called geometry of chaos is geometry able to describe (1872) 1/3, 2/3 ~ 1 portion in 1 length line
and analyze structural irregularity of nature system. Fractal having
started as a simple concept in pure mathematics has occupied an ·Trisect line segment bends and
raises line segment of middle, and
important position in clarifying complex shapes, phenomena and creates line segment four that is 1/3
Koch curve
non-linear state in nature, which is difficult to explain only with length of original line segment
(1904) ·Infinity repeat of process that change
curves and curved surfaces in the existing Euclid geometry. It has with four line segments that occur
provided a new innovative view in understanding chaos problems. newly reducing constructor
Fractal appears in phenomena of nature system of all scales from
·Infinity repeat of process that remove
molecule to astronomical unit. As its examples, there are structures Sierpinski middle triangle among four triangle
gasket
of the coastline and ground surface, loci of lightning, crystal shape that created by connecting emphasis of
(1916) each jargon of regular triangle
of snow, discharge phenomenon of electricity, curves indicating
irregular rise and fall of the stock market, turbulence of fluid, and ·A set of complex number c that do
Mandelbrot not diffuse z=z²+c in case calculated
distribution of the cosmic galactic system. set repeating when z early value by
Besides, attention has been paid to fractal in the field of physics, (1975) z=0+0i in complex number formula
z=z²+c(z=x+yi, c=c1+ c2i)
geography, architecture, art, and philosophy from the end of the
1970’s. In the 1980’s it had been studied as an aesthetic geometric
theory. Nowadays fractal is applied in various fields of music, fine 2.4 Geometric characteristics of fractal
arts, and literature, and also in architecture it is applied to design in Fr a c t a l of v ar i ou s t y p e s
a new method by progressive architects. has common characteristics
It is because fractal has inherent principles and attributes useful different from Euclid geometry
in application into architecture and art. In this chapter, it is to due to the above-mentioned
be examined closely through creation principle of fractal, its creation principle. Enlarging
representative type, and geometric characteristics. fractal shapes, they are not
regular at all differently from
Yong-un Kim․Yong-guk Kim, The world of fractal and chaos, Book Euclid shapes. Enlarging size Figure 3. Non-fractal and Fractal
2

Publishing Useong, , 2000, P. 155-162

Application of Fractal Geometry to Architectural Design 177

of shapes such as triangle, circle, sphere and cylinder in traditional Table 4. Size of recognizable unit by means of observation and observation angle
geometry, its structure disappears. Observation
But, even though parts of fractal shapes are enlarged or reduced distance Size of unit that is
1.5 m 3m 6m 12 m 24 m available observation
gradually, they do not become simple, keep non-linearity, and Obser- = distance x tan (angle)
exhibit self-similarity. vation angle
Geometric characteristics of fractal are summarized as self- 02°
5.2 10.5 21.0 41.9 0.8 m
cm cm cm cm
similarity, non-linearity, and randomness contributes in analyzing
irregular patterns of nature, and it has functionality as a creative 13.1 26.3 52.5 1.1
05° cm cm cm m 2.1 m
formative principle.
26.5 52.9 1.1 2.1
10° cm cm m m 4.2 m
Table 3. Geometric characteristics of fractal
40.2 0.8 1.6 3.2
15° cm m m m 6.4 m
Characteristic Contents
54.6 1.1 2.2 4.4
20° cm m m m 8.7 m

·Pattern in pattern to pierce all reduced scales

·Even if cut what portion, structure that included
Self-similarity whole of portion that resemble with whole shape Therefore movement of observer in the building is accompanied
·Repetitive construct that portion reflects whole by visual change. Sequence refers to phenomenon that continuous
changes occur in perception and experience by movement of
·Structure of own similarity that shows continuously
observer accompanying such visual change. Observer recognizes
non-linearity, and it is not strict own similarity or spatial continuity in that process, and definitely observer has
monotonous repeatability accumulative spatial experiences for infinitely divided scenes. In
Non-linearity ·Sensitive relativity about initial condition
·Exceptional, random, nonestimate, irregularity, the course of recognizing several scenes5 created and divided in this
amplification as compared with linearity process, observer experiences changes in fractal imension.
For example, observing the Great Wall of China from the sky, it
·While series of the predictable events converges by looks like a long curve of one-dimension without width and height.
the estimate possibility, principle that creative system Approaching it gradually, it looks like a plate of two-dimension
Randomness emanates
·More rich and useful fractal to concept of random with height and length even though there is no width. Approaching
more closely up to the distance that it can be perceived as a wall,
it is seen as a body of three-dimension for the first time. When
observing small stone of wall component at the distance several
meters away from the front, this stone looks like a point of zero-
3. FRACTAL GEOMETRY IN THE ANALYSIS dimension. Approaching it very closely, this stone is seen as a body
OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN of three-dimension once again. Such change of dimension can
be repeated up to the scale of atom that indicates boundaries of
3.1 Recognition of architectural design by fractal material.6
dimension Robie House of Frank Lloyd Wright can be analyzed in the same
Fig. 4 is a graph showing way. Observer can observe an overall outline of the building at a
a distribution of conical certain distance. Approaching it closely, pattern of the window and
cell and rod cell from the rod cell
rod cell
the wall can be recognized. Approaching it more closely, the knob
center of retina in the eye
relative number

of the door and details of the window are recognized. Such process
of a human. It can be seen is repeated likewise also in the inside of the building.
that more details can be conical cell

perceived only within the conical cell

range of 2°at the center of

retina, and major shapes angel in fovea

can be perceived within the Figure 4. Distribution of conical

cell and rod cell
range of about 20°.3 Figure 5. Robie House
Depending upon observation distance and observation angle by
means of such principle of visual perception, size of recognizable If observer approaches closely the building gradually from a
unit is determined (Table 4). When analyzing the front face certain distance, it can be seen that Robie House has details of
of a building with the box-counting dimension, size of lattice gradual self-similarity from a large scale to a small scale. Self-
is determined according to this angle and the distance from a similarity of the building is understood gradually as one approaches
building.4 the building, comes in and out it, and uses it.

3
Carl Bovill, Fractal Geometry in Architecture and Design, Carpenter Center 5
Yeong-geol Gweon, Space Design Lecture No. 16, Book Publishing Kukje,
for the Visual Arts, Harvard University, 1996, P. 118 2003, P. 73
4
Wolfgang E. Lorenz , Fractals and Fractal Architecture 6
Wolfgang E. Lorenz , Fractals and Fractal Architecture
http:// www.iemar.tuwien.ac.at/modul23/Fractals/ http:// www.iemar.tuwien.ac.at/modul23/Fractals/
178 Myung-Sik Lee

3.2 Analysis of architectural design by the from 1.485 to 1.441. But in Villa Savoye, a degree of its change was
box-counting dimension comparatively large from 1.607 to 1.333 .
In the course of observing architectural design by the sequence It shows that the Robie House has more complex details
reviewed previously, a numerical comparing with Villa Savoye. Such difference might be an
calculation method for an image of extremely natural result accompanied from mutually different
the building’s front side perceived design concepts of Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architecture and
at a certain point is a method by Le Corbusier’s purism design. But such method has its meaning in
the box-counting dimension. It Figure 6. Front elevation of the point of having analyzed and shown quantitatively architectural
is proceeded with a method to Robie House design.
compute a ratio between the number of rectangles incorporating
lines within that rectangle, and total number of rectangles while 3.3 Analysis of architectural design by fractal rhythm
overlapping lattices over the front face of observation target and Fractal rhythm is created while varying fractal dimension of 1/f
then reducing the size of rectangles. noise similar to a change pattern of nature. By means of comparing
Computing the box-counting dimension at the front face of architectural grid with patterns of fractal rhythm, a degree of
Robie House of Frank Lloyd Wright, it is as follows; mixing with order and change can be analyzed quantitatively.
Table 7 is a table analyzed by means of overlapping grid based
Table 5. Box-counting dimension at the front of Robie House on major components (column and wall) in the plane of ‘Villa
Grid Grid 1: 16x4 Grid 2: 32x8 Grid 3: 64x16 Rotunda’ of Palladio and ‘Wilitz House’ of Frank Lloyd Wright and
then comparing them with grid having a fractal dimension of 1.7.
Image
Planned grid of Villa Rotunda makes a form of geometric symmetry
Number of a square, whereas planned grid of Wilitz House shows fairly
64 256 1024
of box autonomous rhythm and it is similar to fractal rhythm of 1.7. Preparing
N(s) 50 140 380 a bar graph with rhythm of the horizontal axis plane, it becomes a shape
of step function. Height of the bar indicates a horizontal grid interval to
be divided by a vertical grid line at the plane.
Computing the box-counting dimension
Rhythm full of order and rule appears in the graph of Villa
at the front elevation of Villa Savoye of Le
Rotunda, whereas irregular rise and fall in Wilitz House is similar to
Corbusier in the same way, it is as follows;
Figure 7. Front elevation rhythm of fractal dimension of 1.7. It can be seen that rhythm inthe
of Villa Savoye plane of Wilitz House is much more autonomous than rhythm of
Table 6. Box-counting dimension at the front elevation of Villa Savoye Villa Rotunda, and it is close to rhythm appearing in the 1/f noise
of fractal.
Grid Grid 1: 14x8 Grid 2: 28x16 Grid 3: 56x32
Table 8. Example of fractal rhythm
Image Classif- 1.7 Fractal
Villa Rotunda Willits House
ication dimension

Number 112 448 1792

of box
Plan
N(s) 88 268 675

Two sets of fractal dimension can be obtained with this value.

Table 7. Fractal dimension by box-counting dimension Fractal

rhythm
Classif- Grid 1 and grid 2 Grid 2 and grid 3
ication

Robie Fig. 8 is a figure of concrete

House soundproofing wall erected
in the expressway No. 50 in
the west side of Anapolis, Figure 8. Concrete soundproofing wall
Villa
Savoye Maryland. It can be seen that
the soundproofing wall designed using Euclid geometry causes a
collision with rhythm similar to fractal in the top of trees protruded
behind the wall.
As the size of grid becomes minute, fractal dimension is reduced. Rhythm of the trees seen behind the soundproofing wall is
It means that complexity of details is lowered as it approaches a similar to a fractal dimension
small scale. As a result of analyzing fractal dimension for the front of 1.3. Height and width of
faces of two buildings, phenomenon of lowered complexity in the soundproofing wall can
details was coincided, but the difference of its extent was large. be varied with a dimension
Figure 9. Fractal rhythm
In the Robie House, fractal dimension showed a minute change of 1.3 which is the same
Application of Fractal Geometry to Architectural Design 179

dimension as the trees. symmetry․line symmetry after creation of L-lettered cube through
Wall formed newly with transformation of a square and then overlapping transformed
fractal rhythm has rhythm L-lettered shapes mutually. By means of this overlapping, respective
similar to one of the trees, elements become shapes different from original shapes, and then
and accordingly it can make Figure 10. Wall formed newly they are reconstituted into new meanings.
more natural and harmonic with fractal rhythm
order than the existing one.
Also at the time of designing continuous buildings such as tenem-
ent houses and buildings
in the shopping area, pat-
t e r n s s i m i l a r t o n at u re
c an b e c re ate d t h rou g h Figure 12. House 11A of Peter Eisenman (1978)
application of fractal rhythm
likewise. Fig. 11 shows the L is a shape in which a square is divided into four pieces and
Figure 11. Building arrangement formed
arrangement of building then a quarter of them is eliminated. Peter Eisenman said that
with fractal rhythm
groups cre ate d t hroug h L-lettered shape of neither a rectangle nor a square was determined
application of this method. It is an example showing that pattern as a shape symbolizing ‘an unstable thing’ or ‘a thing indicating a
similar to rhythm exhibited by nature can be formed through relation’. According to Eisenman, each L is an unstable geometry
application of fractal rhythm when height and width of a building oscillating between perfect shape and geometric shape, and also it is
is determined.7 a shape symbolizing imperfection of man and an era of imperfect
individual. L-lettered masses not limited in scale and adjusted to
3.4 Summary and analysis various sizes collide mutually and build up one shape8
Summarizing principles of fractal geometry applicable to the Thereafter, Eisenman con-
analysis of architectural design, it can be summarized as follows; ducted a work to incorporate
another house within a house
Table 9. Summary and analysis by putting in parallel the same
Fractal
‘House 11A’ of various sizes
Application in architectural design analysis scaling-transformed thro-
element Figure 13. Canaregio Region
Cognition process about architectural design by sequence ugh ‘Canaregio Region Com- Compartment of Peter Eisenman
Fractal partment’. The smallest object
Observer do not look at building at fixed visual point,
dimen- but sense change of Fractal dimension on eye through is corresponding to the body height of man, and the largest object is
sion uninterrupted experience that feel on whole body and too large to call it a house. It was an act that denied function itself of
through motion in actuality environment
the existing traditional house.
Elevation analysis by using box-counting dimension in Object to be arranged through scaling-transformation is con-
Box- architectural design tinued vastly and it fills the ground. Existence of an object within
counting
dimen-
It can compare with the complexity of detail as quantitative
an object is in commemorative of original shape. But it surpasses
sion original shape, and then it becomes a component of architecture
counting by analysing result of Villa Savoye of Le Corbusier
and Robie House of Frank Lloyd Wright having self-similarity.
Analysis of fractal rhythm in grid pattern of architecture and This project is the one and only indicating a scale. It has sublated
city
the existing imperative idea against the human body, and also it
Fractal By analysing fractal rhythm in grid pattern of architecture and has suggested an ‘analogic’ model with mutually different scales
rhythm city, it can analyze degree that order and change are mixed as within the same project. Consequently it is a work having received
quantitative. Although it is complicated if it apply this, it can
create pattern similar to order of nature. an appraisal that a design strategy was suggested, which intends to
make value of things itself, and privilege being possessed by object
in a particular scale be deprived.9
4. FRACTAL FORMATIVE PRINCIPLE
APPLIED TO ARCHITECTURALL DESIGN 4.2 Superimposition Trace
Superimposition represents a dynamic state of time and space by
4.1 Scaling visualizing a process of transforming from one shape to a certain
Scaling in architectural design is utilized as a method to move another shape, and trace of similar concept represents its track by
selected shapes to another place by separating and isolating them analogizing invisible movement by shift and rotation.
from original context, and then to transform this basic form by
means of reduction or enlargement. 8
Ostwald, Fractal architecture: Late twentieth century connections between
‘Canaregio Region Compartment’ was created by undergoing architecture and fractal geometry, http://www.emis.de/journals/NNJ/
a transformation process of scaling and of complex point Ostwald-Fractal.html
9
Neung-hyeon Kim, Study on the reanalysis trend of programming as an
7
Carl Bovill, Fractal Geometry in Architecture and Design, Carpenter Center element of concept in modern architectural design, Collection of learned
for the Visual Arts, Harvard University, 1996 papers by the Korean Society of Interior Design, Vol. 25, Dec. 2000, P. 277
180 Myung-Sik Lee

‘Max Reinhad Haus’ of Peter Eisenman’s work(1992) is a plan of process of dynamic continuance and progress. It was originated
multi-storied composite building located in Berlin, and it starts from architect’s intention to make a progress dialectically for the
from the type of Mobius band10. As it is represented in the diagram relation of artistry and popularity, old and new one, outside and
of Fig. 14, shape of the building is created by moving, rotating, and inside, and engineering and art.
superimposing a square of the plane at the Mobius band of three- Initiator of helical curve becomes geometric helical curve while
dimensional space. undergoing a
Eisenman expressed a dynamic state of time and space pocess of scaling,
formatively by analogizing invisible movement with the three- distortion, and
dimensional modeling program called ‘Form-Z’ and then by overlapping. It is
visualizing its superimposition process. overlapped each
Figure 16. Distortion process of helical carve
Folded mass introduced wi- other and supp-
th a non-linear element re- orts a load through a process of slanting-shadow deformation in
presents a meaning of con- which it is twisted and angle is deformed. Therefore the museum is
centration possessed by met- consisted of structures without a limitation of column if the center
ropolitan city with a tense Figure 14. Form development process core in the middle is excluded.
dynamism.11 Non-linear shape This helical curve is not a traditional helical curve having a
emphasizes recognition for organic real character of nature, not single center and axis but a modern helical curve that provides
mechanical organization. It emphasizes innovation, change, and various routes, space and environment through various directions
creation that is a spiritual nature of shape creation, and it is suggested along various tracks. Fluid space of distorted helical
fundamentally related to self-organization, creativity and jump, and shape becomes a space that provides diversified activities in
cosmos creation theory. museum by means of various attributes, features, and scales.
After Eisenman took out two elements of Expanded building can be used flexibly and independently
formality and context of architecture from this differently from the existing museum galleries due to simple and
work, he created a building type and space open structure of helical curve shape. It also creates public
created autonomously through application entrances of a large scale between densely crowded building forest
of various digital modeling techniques to it. 12 of city, and thereby it induces natural approach to exhibition
Max Reinhard Haus created by the effort of hall.13
architect, who had tried to secede from the Moreover, ceramic
existing type, emphasizes a dramatic and Figure 15. Max tile used as exterior
Reinhad Haus of Peter
decentralized meaning through dismantling. Eisenman (1992) material for the wall
has a shape of fractal
4.3 Distortion ge ome t r y h av i ng
Distortion refers to distorting of shape by deforming partially self-similarity. Dis- Figure 17. Fractal geometry composition
specific elements such as size or interior angle of target. In torted shape in whi- of ceramic tile
architecture, distortion is applied in the manner that shape ch a trapezoidal sec-
separated from structure mainly by adding directivity or tion is twisted in one direction is repeated in the same pattern while
deformation to axis line is operated decoratively, and it reflects undergoing a process of scaling.
architect’s intention for seceding from a basic work method in This building is evaluated as a building having exhibited
construction by column, beam, wall, and slab. continuity and ubiquity of a building having timeliness, historicity
Fractal formative principle appearing distinguishedly in ‘Victoria and evolutionary situation in the medium of self-similarity of
Albert Museum’ of Daniel Libeskind (1996) can be summarized as fractal.
a shape of the building having quoted a shape of distorted helical
curve, and as ceramic wall in the exterior wall formed self-similarly. 4.4 Repetition
Daniel Libeskind invested a helical curve with a meaning that it is In architecture, technique of repetition by fractal geometry can
a process of engraving present into past and future as well as a obtain an effect of visually unlimited extension by means of lasting
repetition of similar shapes.
10
Mobious band is a form without either start or end, and it is interpreted as
‘Cadiff Bay Opera House’ of Greg Lynn (1994) regarded an
a representative domain of topology like 'Klein Bottle'.
external factor to det-
ermine a feature of place
as a scale change and dir-
ectivity of the coastline
around the ground con- Figure 18. Expansion of Cadif bay cost line
11
Hun Kang, Study on 'Fold' as digital architectural design, Collection of nected with ‘Atlantic-
learned papers by the Korean Society of Architecture, Gyehoikgy, Vol. 20, No. Cadif Bay-Target Site’. The coastline facing the Atlantic is expanded
11 (Serial Number 193), Nov. 2004, P. 79-80 to the yacht anchorage of elliptical shape via the port, and the same
12
In-ha Jeong, Study on non-symbolic architecture through the comparison similar form is repeated continuously even after reaching the opera
of method of perspective view and digital expression style, Study on
Architectural History, Vol. 12, No. 2 (Serial Number 34), June 2003, P. 34 13
Daniel Libeskind, The Spiral, Space, 2003.04, P. 131
Application of Fractal Geometry to Architectural Design 181

theater. It was intended to interpret that the veins possessed Table 10. Summary and analysis
by the ground is not regarded as a thing being fixed simply Architec-ture
Self-similarity Non-linearity Randomness
but ‘a character of place’ having a continuous topographic work

change in the mutual relation of wide-area character and ∙Combination of ∙L shape :

self-similarity to borrowing as form ∙Transformation of
proximity. various size by that 1/4 shows Scale of house 11A
Peter
Lynn explains regularity and diversification based on the theory scaling of house lacking unstable into big or small
Eisenman,
11A : L shape action in an exact excessively
of symmetr y and Cannaregio
∙Canaregio Region square ∙Make privilege
Region
discontinuous di- Compartment ∙Create form of objet lose in
Compartment
: house 11A of house as specification scale
versif ication de- & House 11A
of various size overlapping by exuviating from
veloped by Gregory is arranged in atypically each existent house
Canaregio region other
Bateson, a biologist Figure 19. Examples of symmetry destruction
∙Self-similarity
as well as an anthro- structure of
pologist. He emphasized, with the example of mutation in the hand flowing curved
surface that is
of man and the leg of beetle, that symmetry does not emphasize a created by tabula
∙Change on outer
∙Progress of
Shuhei Endo, skin that cotinous
basic composition principle of a certain organism, but absence of Springtecture
metal skin
line is awry and
form creation of
∙It seeks organic metal skin that is
minimum information is expressed.14 H Public
with nature by
is wrenched from
uncompleted and
Lavatory three-dimensional
Differentiated growth of another concept means that product consecutiveness
space
uncertainty
with scenery
should not be determined by internal and external factors from that appear
the beginning. It is verified to be a process of evolution by the through physical
construction
introduction of timeliness in shape creation. Shape of a building
is created as unit space of elliptical shape multiplies continuously ∙After circumvolve
∙Meaning of prism plates in Mobius
through repeated mutation and evolution similar to fractal rule. including big city band of third
Elliptical initiator similar to the elliptical yacht anchorage by expressing dimension space,
∙Creation of non-
meaning of create non-
is scaled and rotated in the size of 2/3 and 1/3, and then it is linear form is
Peter congestion of linear form,
meaning change,
arranged unsymmetrically. They are multiplied by repeating a Eisenman, big city to tensed seemed to fold by
own organization
Max retroaction polymerizing
process of combining streets and surrounding buildings several ∙Emphasis about
Reinhardt ∙Non-linear form ∙Express dynamic
decentering
times while being Haus is not organization state between
meaning through
mechanism, but time and space
arranged and rotated taking to pieces
emphasize organic by materializing
from the information originality of traces that move
nature of plates that is not
of surrounding envi- visualized
ronment. Multipli- Figure 20. Multiplication process ∙Composition of
cation used in a desi- of elliptical shape individual masses
which is spread by ∙Pursuit of
gn process is similar spiral structure of universal order
to fractal-like character appearing in the process of cell division. self-similarity by dynamic of ∙By detaining the
∙Pursuit for sunflower existent tree and
Finally volume is deformed again by internal factors of individual Zvi Hecker,
organic with ∙By own similarity arranging mass,
Heinz-
programs of the opera hallorganizing an internal space, and Galinski
nature (organic unfolding of three promenade is
composition system of spiral narrow and hoof,
of structure system used upon shipbuilding. It is a shape that School
of city context style action, grid, that is created
independence of individual shapes is maintained among the whole. and extensive concentric circle, episodically
metaphor of nature strong induction to
This process can be understood as an attempt to deform the existing such as snake, fish, center
information into new context.15 mountain and
so on)
∙Trajectory of
4.5 Summary and ∙Self-similarity dialectical action
analysis composition of of contorted spiral
ceramic tile that is ∙System of the line
In the cases where f- Daniel used for material of flow and whole
∙Boundary
destruction of wall,
ractal formative prin- Libeskind, of outer wall form of spiral style
floor and ceiling by
Victoria ∙Express possibility of chaos
ciple has been appli- Figure 21. Application process of fractal concept & Albert of various ∙Various exhibition
reiteration that is
random repetition
ed to modern archi- Museum and infinite system that
of distorted spiral
transformation in are involved in
tectural design, analyzing comprehensively the aspects that self-similarity form difference and
three kinds of features such as self-similarity, non-linearity and of distorted spiral similarity through
maze structure
randomness of fractal geometry are exhibited in architectural
∙Distortion of
design, it is as follows; ∙Self-similarity
liner elements of
metaphor of
wall, the floor,
retroaction shape
14
According to Bateson, organism is a result appearing through dynamic roof etc. by status ∙Deduction to fluid
Frank O. that is growing
conversion shape like flowing
non-linear repetition of internal symmetric structure together with a change Gehry, petals
∙Express highly, liquid as size and
Guggenheim ∙Organic
of unstable context. Therefore destruction of symmetry is an active act for intricately and topology of 26
Museum, consecutiveness
freely of fluid petal are decided by
extending internal diversification hiding within a system. Bilbao of nature and
shape like flowing random
city by shape that
petal through the
15
Wolfgang E. Lorenz , Fractals and Fractal Architecture http:// www.iemar. seem to rise on
way of folding
water surface
tuwien.ac.at/modul23/Fractals/
182 Myung-Sik Lee

∙Whole shape is 1. In architectural design, self-similarity of fractal discovered

not decided from order existing in flow of nature and then showed a possibility of
∙Oval that was whole shape in the
∙Seek organic organic architectural design through its relation with architecture.
modeled on Oval beginning
with surrounding
Greg Lynn, Basin is repeat ∙By differentiation
context by
Cardiff Bay non-linear and between growth
extending coastline 2. In architectural design, non-linearity of fractal emphasized
Opera House asymmetry along and change
to yacht anchorage
direction of by symmetry a new meaning of architecture as an evolutionary body of time
around earth
topography destruction,
evolution of form having a vital force by means of showing a process of mutating
by time structures and increasing complexity.
∙Transparency of
glass scatters city 3. In architectural design, randomness of fractal showed that non-
boundary and predictive creative results can be obtained by sudden emergence
∙By becomming
infinitely extends
objet of city space ∙Surface that keep and instability brought by repeated non-linear feedback.
space visually
Bernard and intermediate phenomenon that
∙Seek
Tschumi, that show city is indeterminacy
consecutiveness
Glass Video space at the same and temporary by Fractal geometry similar to patterned order of nature is an
with city
Gallery time, formation of immaterial and
environment by organizing principle of organic design in architecture, and it was
ring of circulation material of glass
pulling down the
Mobius strip reviewed that it has not only an eternal formative possibility but
border of building
interior and also it can be applied variously also in the aspect of design analysis.
exterior
Fractal geometry is a theory that can be applied in design much
more variously and abundantly than contents handled in this
study. In future, study should be conducted in the aspect that it
5. CONCLUSION can be reflected more comprehensively in architectural design by
means of deeper studies regarding this matter. Furthermore it will
This study was conducted for the purpose of reviewing its be possible for this study to be continued to grafting of modern
possibility by suggesting ‘fractal’, which is one of scientific theories architecture with more diversified modern science. For this study
on complexity in the transition period from a mechanical world method, its position will be evaluated as a part of groping for
view to an organic and ecological world view, and from decisive interdisciplinary research activities and new design methods in
thinking to thinking of non-decisive possibility, as one alternative architectural design
appropriate in analyzing complexity architecture of modern. And New paradigm provides new creative formative language. Of
this study was also conducted for the purpose of reviewing its course, their aesthetic value and feasibility is not guaranteed
possibility as an organization principle of organic design of nature’s because they were used as themes or basic principles of art or
patterned order and similar fractal formative principle in the design, but obviously it is valuable as one suggestion in architectural
process of architectural design. design to deny traditional approaches and to pursue new order.
Alternative shall be suggested, which confronts new culture and
In the analysis of architectural design, method of analyzing environment more aggressively by utilizing various theories rather
through the introduction of elements of fractal geometry can be than adhering to the existing method blindly.
summarized as follows;

1. In the recognition process of architectural design by sequence REFERENCES

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(Received September 21, 2014/Accepted December 1, 2014)