Ryan Ackles

October 19, 2016

Math 3 Honors Project
*Turn assignment in by October 23, 2016, add to your digital portfolio, and share the link.
Overview of Project
In this project, I will research how trigonometry functions, slope, and other math concepts
relate to architecture and architectural design. I then plan to investigate mathematical elements and
design techniques in a variety of buildings and creating a document that outlines these areas. After
reviewing these ideas, I will design a building of my own and map out at least ten different examples
of mathematical applications, which will also be highlighted throughout the original structure. If time
permits, I hope to create problem sets that correlate to various aspects of my design. Looking ahead, I
expect the project to be primarily research-based with the design portion of the project being used as
an engaging tool to showcase my learning.
Essential Questions
How can the faade and overall appearance of buildings that I view each day be observed from
a mathematical perspective?
What specific geometric elements can be recognized in everyday structures?
Why is it important to identify mathematical traits in architecture?
How will math continue to shape the future of architecture moving forward?
Products
Document outlining how certain architectural design elements relate to math concepts (ex: area
of a circle, circumference, slope, volume of three-dimensional objects, etc.)
Image gallery/slideshow of particularly inspiring forms of architecture and highlight the math
in them (continue off of hypothetical building if not enough examples are provided)
Rough draft of original building design with highlighted architectural aspects
Final draft of original building design with highlighted architectural aspects
Problem sets centered around these various architectural aspects in my design

Timeline:
October 23rd: Honors Project Description Completed
November 16th: Architectural Math Research Completed
November 23rd: Gallery of Mathematical Elements in Buildings Completed
November 30th: Rough Draft of Original Building Design Completed
December 7th: Final Draft of Original Building Design Completed
December 14th: Problem Sets Worksheet Completed
Research:
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Slope of various buildings surfaces, sides, and edges
- Circumference and area of circular structures
- Perimeter and area of square and triangular structures
- Volume of a triangular prism and pyramid
- Volume of a rectangular prism and cube
- Volume of a cylinder and sphere
- Angles, Hypotenuse, Opposite, and Adjacent