Westwood 8 aug 2007       analys

Westwoods 8 aug 2007       Analysis 1

 

 

The formation contains 6 slightly overlapping circles distributed along the red circle.

(

Assuming that diagrams abstracted from photos are correct)

a circle of the same size as the 6 outer circles is now drawn in the centre. The overlapping circles create points a-b and c-d. The lengths ab and cd are identical. This would apply for

any

size of circle so there is no surprise.

However, the particular size used in the formation design means that uniquely, a-b is the side of a 12-sided polygon.

The green circle has no apparent significance, it is simply an analysis line drawn on the diagram linking the intersection points c,

more below...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analysis 2

 

 

It can also be seen that is that the underlying geometry is based on regular dodecagons (12 sided polygons) which abut at the sides. e.g. at

ab

and

cd

.

This creates a regular tiled pattern as may be found in Arabic tile patterns. The circles are then  drawn on the polygons.

A central polygon can be drawn in as the origin of the pattern..

An inherent feature of the pattern is that all sides are equal, so ab=bc=cd. Another feature is that the centre points of the polygons themselves sit on a larger regular 12 sided polygon.

 

 

Alternatively,

it can be suggested that the designer simply used the large 12-gon as a setting out for the 6 circles with no further intentions. The resultant geometry is simply an outcome of this choice.

© RICHARD BIRD 2016