‘Quasi-crystalline Geometry in Islamic Art and Architecture’ virtual presentation with the Museum of Nature & Science

The Museum of Nature & Science presents ‘Quasi-crystalline Geometry in Islamic Art and Architecture,’ with guest speaker Rima Ajlouni, Ph.D. Dr. Ajlouni joins us via Zoom Tuesday, April 6 at 3pm from the University of Utah’s School of Architecture. Please contact Stephanie at shawkins@las-cruces.org to request a link to the program or go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84737728915 at the scheduled time.

Ancient Islamic patterns with quasi-crystalline properties have triggered significant discussion and a number of debates on the scientific relevance of Islamic geometry. Astonishingly, eight centuries before their discovery in modern science, ancient artists created patterns with quasi-crystalline geometry. The discovery of “forbidden symmetries” in the 1980s shook the bedrock of theoretical solid-state science, prompting a foundational shift in the understanding of crystallography. Three decades after their initial discovery hundreds of quasi-crystalline formations have been uncovered; however, a full understanding of their generating principles and long-range structural order is still posing many challenges. Dr. Ajlouni will introduce the simple relational method that was used to construct these ancient formations using a compass and a straightedge. 

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