Constant Curvature in Marvelous Modern Architecture

    The human visual system processes an abundance of information each and every day, so much so that sometimes it may have to cut corners for the sake of the image as a whole. Here enters the arclet theory— the idea that constant curvature is utilized as the basic unit for encoding segments that display contour in actuality. This is further discussed in Baker et al. 2020, where their approach not only reveals evidence for this theory, but also demonstrates a familiarity toward line segments of constant curvature. In Experiment 2 of their study they found that the human visual system is better able to identify two separate curves if they were constant, rather than constantly accelerating (known as a Euler spiral). Our eyes are better trained to recognize constant curvature, making it have a certain appeal over contoured curves. This appeal factor has many aesthetic applications that are useful to fields such as marketing, cosmetics, and architecture. Their work needs to be able to draw attention and be captivating to the human eye, and infamous late architect, Zaha Hadid, was able to accomplish this.

Deemed the “Queen of the Curve”, Hadid revolutionized modern architecture with her ability to create fluidity within her designs. Some of her most notable work displaying her iconic curvature includes the Heydar Aliyev Centre, the Guangzhou Opera House, and the Galaxy Soho. Although she has since tragically passed away in the spring of 2016, her legacy continues through the Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA). In January of 2021, ZHA’s design won the competition of Tower C at Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base. The stunning project features swooping curves that connect the two towers to a terrace at the base of the building. While currently under construction for the next few years, this skyscraper is expected to be a modern marvel in Shenzhen. 

As a deconstructivist architect, Hadid became well recognized with her ability to contrast Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry. Euclidean geometry is well characterized by symmetry and the use of circles, i.e. constant curvature. Elliptic geometry, a form of non-Euclidean geometry, would therefore be related to contoured curves that do not hold Euclid’s parallel postulate. A reason why Hadid’s designs standout is because she uses non-Euclidean geometry to complement and feature Euclidean geometry. Tower C demonstrates this Hadid signature with its contoured bridges drawing attention down to the circular plazas, the real show-stopper of the design. The human visual system is naturally attentive to symmetry and constant curvature, as discussed previously in Baker et al. 2020. With this understanding, Hadid and ZHA are able to create jaw-dropping architectural projects by blending contoured curves into constant ones. This approach creates fluidity and motion toward the instinctive centerpiece of the building— a stroke of genius that defends Hadid’s title of the “Queen of the Curves”. 

References:

Baker, N., Garrigan, P., & Kellman, P.J. (2020, December 17). Constant Curvature Segments as Building Blocks of 2D Shape Representation. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/xge0001007

Kiziltepe, F. (2015). A Brief Essay Onto Zaha Hadid’s Architecture From a Different Perspective. XVIII Generative Art Conference, https://www.generativeart.com/ga2015_WEB/zah ahadid_Kiziltepe.pdf. Accessed 21 Oct 2021. 

Stouhi, D. (2021, Jan 12). “ZHA Wins Competition to Build Tower C at Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base". ArchDaily, https://www.archdaily.com/954800/zha-wins-competition-to-bui ld-tower-c-at-shenzhen-bay-super-headquarters-base> ISSN 0719-8884. Accessed 21 Oct 2021.