The Topology Tendency In Architecture

Geometry lies at the core of the architectural design process. It is omnipresent, from the initial form-finding to the final construction. Modern geometric computing provides a variety of tools for the efficient design, analysis, and manufacturing of complex shapes. Topology, as a branch of modern geometry, plays an important role. in art, craft and architecture design.Topology mainly focuses on the character of invariability under deformation of objects. As an important part of mathematics, topology had experienced the transformation process from mathematical space to physical space before becoming important theoretical support in architectural field. Topology contains graph theory、knot theory、manifolds、topological embedding、connectivity etc., some of these elements can be directly applied in modeling of architecture design, some of their geometry properties, penetrating into architectural space, become the theoretical basis of spatial development.This article introduces architecture-related knowledge of topology, as well as runs through the background of its application in architectural design, technical support and development process, Besides, the paper mainly describes by which approaches that topology can be applied in architectural design , and the design practices of current avant-grade design offices under the guidance of topology, as well as parses operational manipulation of topological transforming in the aspects of architectural entity, space and skin.