A sympathetic and insightful study of the legacy of the scientist Buckminster Fuller, with particular emphasis on his synergetic approach to geometry.
Trade Information: LGEN
Available as: Paperback, ePub, Kindle, PDF
ISBN: 9780718830311
Specifications: 246x189mm (9.69x7.44in), 206pp
Published: July 2007
ISBN: 9780718844684
Published: February 2016
ISBN: 9780718844677
Specifications: 199pp
Published: February 2016
Synergetics can be defined as the exploratory strategy of starting with the whole. It was in the 1940s that Buckminster Fuller developed a series of spherical models which embodied the synergetic theory within geometry. This study of Fuller's sacred geometry describes with vigour and in detail how his spherical figures relate both to Nature and to the tenets of synergetics.
The author assesses the legacy of Fuller, a scientist-artist-engineer extraordinaire whose visions were inspired by the American Dream, and portrays with enthusiasm and sympathy the creative and individual science of a man whose character was as multifaceted as the domes he created.
Discover the theory behind the idea that the straight lines and boxes of science and maths are inadequate for representing Nature's spherical and cyclical patterns of growth. The ways in which Fuller's synergetics can be seen in the ancient iconographies of the past are also revealed with fresh insight. In addition, Eastham looks to the future artistic applications of Fuller's 'wholes', with the aim of inspiring the reader to think outside of the box themselves.
We sought for years to bring out a brief alternative geometry textbook. ... It's not easy to produce a round thing in a square world ..." From the Introduction
Acknowledgments
Introduction: An Imaginary Symposium
I. Archaeology of a Vision
Yankee Ingenuity
American Dreamers
The Original Vision
The Way Things Are
Geoscope
Synergy & Entropy
II. Refractions
Dwelling Machine
Ambivalent Centennial
III. Reflections
Anima Mundi
Mandala
Deep South
Due East
True North
Way Out West
Connections – Real & Unreal
A Lower Deep
Appendix A: Unfolding WHOLES: A Synergetics Primer
Appendix B: The Root DHR and Its Branches
Appendix C: Palimpsest
Notes
Index
Dr. Scott Eastham is currently Senior Lecturer in Media Studies at Massey University, New Zealand, and teaches from a humanistic point of view. He always attempts to approach issues of meaning and value from a cross-cultural angle. He represents the interdisciplinary approach of media studies.