Exploring Variable-Based Generation of Girih Patterns: A Comparison of Radial and Polygonal Methods
Delara Razzaghmanesh and Ethem Gürer

Proceedings of Bridges 2025: Mathematics and the Arts
Pages 255–262
Regular Papers

Abstract

Radial and polygonal methods are fundamental techniques for generating Islamic geometric patterns, and they are widely used by scholars to create and analyze a variety of patterns. Despite their widespread application, the underlying principles and key variables of these methods are distinct. This paper compares the two methods by exploring their respective variables in the generation of two prominent Girih patterns in Islamic architecture. By manipulating these variables within each method, diverse patterns are produced, demonstrating the flexibility and variation achievable through algorithmic design. The study utilizes Grasshopper programming to implement the methods, illustrating how adjusting variables in both approaches can lead to entirely different pattern outcomes.

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