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Fractal
THEORY & MATHEMATICSadvanced
Definition
A geometric form that exhibits self-similarity at different scales — zoom in and the pattern repeats. Fractals occur in nature (coastlines, trees, snowflakes) and have been used in architecture to create complexity that feels natural. Fractal analysis has also been used to distinguish authentic and forged Mondrian paintings.
Example
The Koch snowflake facade pattern of many Islamic geometric tile systems is fractal in character — zoom into the star pattern and a similar star pattern appears within it.