The Misalignment of Human Design with Nature; A Study of Shapes

GEOMETRY OF THE UNIVERSE VS MANKIND’S

by Eric Mwaura

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What is a Shape?

A shape is the external outline of an object.

It's about how something appears visually, determined by its contours and dimensions.

1D Shape ?

a line

2D Shape

a square

3D Shape

a cube

Shapes That Occur in Nature

Common shapes in nature are not random occurrences but rather the solutions to various physical, chemical, and biological challenges.

They arise from fundamental principles that optimize efficiency, stability, growth, and survival.

Common shapes in nature:

1. Sphere and circle
2. Spiral
3. Hexagon

Shape That Occur in Nature

1. Spheres and Circles

Minimizing surface area for a given volume - A sphere is the shape with the SMALLEST surface area for a given volume. As shown below, a sphere with equal volume as a cube will have lesser surface area

Examples of shapes in Nature

Planets & Stars

Water Droplets

Fruits

Cells & microorganisms

Eggs & Ova

Why nature “chooses” round shapes

Efficiency in energy distribution:

• Spheres minimise surface area for volume, conserving energy

Strength and Durability:

• Curved structures distribute stress evenly e.g egg

Fluidity and Adaptability:

• Round shapes allow movement and growth

Shapes in Nature

2. Spirals

1. Growth and expansion - Spirals patterns occur when each successive increment maintains a proportional relationship to the previous one. The FIBONACCI SEQUENCE and THE GOLDEN RATIO.

Shapes in Nature

2. Spirals

• Optimization for exposure – spiral arrangements of leaves allow for optimal sunlight exposure for each leaf.
• Fluid dynamics – Due to the rotational motion of the fluid.

Shapes in Nature

3. Hexagons

• Efficiency in packing and space utilization – A hexagon is one of ONLY THREE regular polygons (triangles, squares, and hexagons) that can perfectly tessellate a plane.
• Structural strength - The hexagonal structure provides excellent structural integrity
• Molecular arrangement - In snowflakes, the hexagonal shape arises from the inherent geometry of water molecules as they bond and crystallize. This is the most stable and energy- efficient arrangement for water.

Shapes That Occur in Human Design

Human design often prioritizes geometric shapes and straight lines. This isn't arbitrary, it's driven by:

1. manufacturing and fabrication efficiency
2. functionality and human-centric needs
3. aesthetic preference

Shapes in Human Design

2. Functionality and human-centric needs
1. Rectangles and Squares

They are highly efficient for partitioning and utilizing space.

• Rooms are rectangular because they are easy to furnish, navigate, and provide clear pathways.
• Books, screens, and tables are rectangular to optimize for content display, comfortable interaction, and efficient storage.

Shapes in Human Design

2. functionality and human-centric needs

ii. Circles and Cylinders

Their uniform curvature:

• Enables smooth operation rotational motion.
• Is ideal for containing liquids and gases, as pressure is evenly distributed evenly
• Enables lenses to offer consistent optical properties

Shapes in Human Design

2. Functionality and human-centric needs

3. Triangles
• A triangles is rigid, it is the ONLY polygon that cannot deform without changing the length of one of its sides. This makes them ideal for structural support e.g. roof trusses, bridge frameworks.
• Their distinct directional nature also makes them effective for warning signs and arrows for quickly conveying information

Shapes in Human Design

3. Why are phones shaped this way

Aesthetic preference. Geometric shapes are associated with order, logic, and control.

Straight lines and right angles create clear visual boundaries, making spaces feel tidy

and well-defined

Form Follows Function

The Evolution of Architecture

1. Technology
2. Function
3. Fashion

Shapes in Human Design inspired by Nature

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Kingfisher

Biomimicry ~ designs based on biological entities and processes

Shapes in Human Design inspired by Nature

The Peregrine Falcon vs The Northrop B-2 Spirit

How natural forces interact with shapes

Gravity - from bulging planets, to meandering rivers to height of mountains, gravity determines their shapes and forms

Atmospheric pressure - affects shapes by acting evenly on the surfaces of materials

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Examples are balloons, parachutes, bubbles

How shapes affect human life

1. Comfort - Round shapes are associated with calmness, safety and harmony
2. Psychological impact - Sharp edges can evoke feelings of tension or stress.
3. Environmental harmony - Nature’s curves often blend better with environment.

Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge (LC4)

Are we designing spaces that conflict with our innate preferences?

What we should do

1. Rethink how we design cities, furniture and daily objects.

Did you know?

In January 1954, an airplane fell apart in mid-air claiming the deaths of 35 people on board. The same thing happened a few months later in April, claiming 14 lives. It was discovered later that the cause was simply the SHAPE of windows.

What we should do

2. Design more organic, shapes improve well-being, efficiency and

sustainability

What we should do

3. Re-align with nature’s principles

Designing spaces, objects and tools that integrate well with nature’s design philosophy

The Future of design?

The Future of design?

The Future of design?

Conclusion

1. Shapes in nature are solutions to various physical, chemical, and biological challenges.
2. Human design often prioritizes geometric shapes and straight lines because of practicality, functionality and aesthetic.
3. Can we realign with nature’s philosophy?
4. The future of design may embrace organic forms for a more balanced world