EJMT Abstract

The recent introduction of new technologies such as 3D printing or laser cutting has made it possible to support the visualization and manipulation of mathematical objects with easy-to-produce parts. These parts, as opposed to the handcrafted ones, are manufactured from a digital file containing the design of the part.

In this article we focus on mathematical objects derived from architectural and art elements. They are of special interest, both for their mathematical design and for their link to art, to history, and to the emotions produced by their contemplation in the monumental heritage. This, together with the engineering of their design and the technology of their production, makes them a real STEAM material.

We will expose the manufacture of some elements such as muqarnas ceilings, cross ribbed vaults, iconic renaissance elements, islamic mosaics and some more. We will detail the geometric characteristics of these elements, their design process to obtain a 3D or 2D model and the means of fabrication to obtain an operable piece. Finally we will discuss some examples and indications of their use in didactic workshops for mathematics education.