ENGR 009. Fabricating Tessellations and Tillings.

In this project-based course, students will learn the fundamentals of mathematical symmetry as it applies to tilings of the plane, sphere, and 3D space, including kaleidoscopic construction, wallpaper groups, honeycombs, and aperiodic tilings. More generally, students will explore the properties of these repeating systems through the visual and physical design of their own tilings and tessellations, while learning techniques for understanding and creating geometric patterns at different scales. Students will engage in a formal design process grounded in critique and iteration in order to produce tangible 3D artifacts using computer-aided design tools, 3D printing, mold making, and casting.
This course does not fulfill any requirement for the Engineering major.
Prerequisite: Any course involving sculpture or design of physical objects or systems, for example: ENGR 017, ENGR 006, ENGR 053, ENGR 072, THEA 004A/B/C/D, ARTT 005A, ARTT 006E; or permission of the instructors. Students should be comfortable with 3D design software such as Autodesk Fusion or Rhinoceros 3D.
1 credit.
Fall 2026. Zucker and Jordan.
Catalog chapter: Engineering
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/engineering

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