Tessellations in Architecture and Arts

Irina Lyublinskaya, Feb 22, 2023

A tessellation is a repeating pattern that fills a space without overlapping. In Latin, the word “tessera” means a “small, stone cube.” Explore tessellations in Islamic art and M.C. Escher's paintings. See “behind the scenes” constructions of these amazing tessellations.

Table of Contents

  1. Islamic tessellations
    1. Islamic geometric design
    2. It Starts With a Rhombus
    3. Islamic tessellations on octagons and squares
  2. M.C. Escher's tessellations
    1. Escher's Lizard Tessellation
    2. Escherized Tessellation

1.

Islamic tessellations

Islamic art comprises geometric prints and tessellations which connect to form infinitely repetitive designs. They are beautiful in their simplicity, creating shapes and patterns that simultaneously satisfy and intrigue the eye of the observer.

  • 1. Islamic geometric design
  • 2. It Starts With a Rhombus
  • 3. Islamic tessellations on octagons and squares

1.1.

Islamic geometric design

Click play button to see different geometric designs used in Islamic art. You can also change the slider manually.
– Irina Lyublinskaya

1.2.

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2.

M.C. Escher's tessellations

Escher was a great master of tessellation. He created symmetrical designs and planar tesselations, which he described as congruent, convex polygons joined together.

  • 1. Escher's Lizard Tessellation
  • 2. Escherized Tessellation

2.1.

Escher's Lizard Tessellation

Move the sliders to explore the tile formation process and the symmetries of the tessellation.
– Irina Lyublinskaya, Duke

2.2.

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