MATH 7210 : Foundations of Geometry
II
University of Georgia, Spring
2001
Dr. McCrory, Instructor
Bilateral Symmetry
In bilateral symmetry, there is one vertical
reflection mirror through the middle of any side of the architectural
piece. Bilateral symmetry is the most common type of symmetry
in architecture and is found in all cultures and time periods.
In architecture, some bilateral schemes are more desirable than
others. For example, the Greeks avoided having a column on the
vertical mirror by always using an even number of columns.
Resource: Williams, Kim (1998). Symmetry
in Architecture. (http://turing.mi.ssau.ac.yu/vismath/kim/)
Example 1: Eiffel Tower
Location: Paris, France
Architect: Gustave Eiffel
Building Type: Exposition observation tower
Symmetry: Vertical mirror through each side
of the tower.
Resource: GreatBuildings.com (http://www.GreatBuildings.com/buildings/Eiffel_Tower.html)
Example 2: Torii of Itsukushinma
Location: Miyajima Island, Japan
Architect: Unknown
Building Type: Temple monument
Symmetry: Vertical mirror through each side
of the monument.
Resource: GreatBuildings.com (http://www.GreatBuildings.com/buildings/Torii_of_Itsukushima.html)
Example 3: The Parthenon
Location: Athens, Greece
Architect: Ictinus and Callicrates with Phidias
Building Type: Temple
Symmetry: Vertical mirror through each side
of the temple.
Resource: GreatBuildings.com (http://www.GreatBuildings.com/buildings/The_Parthenon.html)
Go to Rotational
and Reflectional Symmetry (Next)
Return to
Main Page