TEDTalk Tuesday: the Fractal Villages of Africa

[Occulus]

Today's TEDTALKTUESDAY is given by a mathematician who saw fractal structure in African villages. Beginning with a short discuaaion of what fractals are and where they came from, our speaker reveals how he discovered the fractal structure present in African architecture, and gives a surprising look at how fractals tie in to African society, education, and religion.

Enjoy:

RONEGLASH

Talk title: African fractals, in buildings and braids (video runtime: 16:51)

(This talk is also available for free download in 480p resolution.)



Ron Eglash

TEDTalk Bio

About this Talk

"I am a mathematician, and I would like to stand on your roof." This is how Ron Eglash greeted many African families while researching the intriguing fractal patterns he noticed in villages across the continent. He talks about his work exploring the rigorous fractal math underpinning African architecture, art and even hair braiding.

[IndyOp]

1. Damn. Nature, humanity (sans modern materialistic extremism) is impressive.

Fractals in architecture and braids.

Wow.

[xchrom]

2. wow -- that's very interesting. i like that.

[LynzM]

3. Neato.

Bookmarking to watch later!!

[Occulus]

4. Kicking for the night crowd n/t