Design for Mathematics
It is relevant to focus on how design has sometimes allowed progress in mathematics. For some, it is even their beginning. Michel Serres explains in The Origins of Geometry that the first mathematical act of human was the manipulation of material, like the interweaving for example, notably thanks to his ability to work on it and to transform it into functional objects. A more recent example that deserves attention is the study of origami that have revealed significant mathematical formulas. Indeed, although it is a very old art, the mathematicians get only interested on it from the beginning of the 20th century. Thanks to their study, it was possible to define the numbers “constructible by origami” the theorem of Meakawa which makes it possible to draw exact canvases, or the theorem of the unique cut which defines the rules of folding allowing a single scissors cut to reveal a drawing, such as a star, a duck, a butterfly or any other drawing composed of rectilinear lines. On the other hand, the progress of mathematics is not the only way to put design at the service of this science.
Generally speaking, when it acts as a support for aesthetics, i.e. when it is not only used to respond to “technical” functions as would be the case of some mechanical objects, design appeals our emotions, our sensitivity and our intuition as well as an artistic work. It is for this reason that “images” are increasingly used in order to show a less abstract facet of mathematics, and thus make them more “accessible”. The CNRS Images of Mathematics website , created by a community of mathematicians, extols indeed better communication between researchers and the general public through articles on mathematical topics related to, among other things, history, art, or even literature for example. These writings are supported by a rich visual content, making the reading more accessible and appealing. It is also interesting to mention the movies Dimensions, a mathematical walk and Chaos, a mathematical adventure, directed by Etienne Ghys, Jos Leys and Aurélien Alvarez [link]. These movies explore fascinating theories through “beautiful images” so that the public can appreciate it without necessarily understanding everything; possibly even make some people dreaming in order to awake their interest in this artistic science.
The advantage of using design as a support for the 5922 project is, and above all, to appeal to style. Style, in the aesthetic and visual sense of the term, affects the whole world as a means of global communication, especially through fashion and lifestyle. Although society can influence the tastes of an individual, the act of using fashion as a tool for expressing emotions remains a means of communicating one’s individuality in a universal way. Regardless of culture or wallet, fashion appeals to sensitivity and creativity. This might be how it has grown in importance in our society. The rise of social networks also demonstrates the importance of the place of aesthetics in our world and the desire to share it internationally. Thus, using this logic, using design and style to show a more aesthetic image of mathematics might enhance their popularity and spark more interest in this exciting science. It would even be conceivable to go further, as did Didier Boursin who, to serve education, was able to mix the poetry of origami and the learning of mathematics. In this way, it would be interesting in this project to consider giving an additional functionality to design, which is the one of an experimental educational tool.
Giving more attractively to mathematics by working on their aesthetic image through the experience of design is a theory that the 5922 project wishes to demonstrate.