Superlesson
Project 3-4
Geometry
Chapter 3, Angles and Parallel Lines
Parallel lines play an important role in many forms of architecture. Below, you will examine four different architectural structures and the part that parallel lines and transversals play in each.
Part A, Transversals and Angles
1. Take a look at some of these interesting architectural examples.
a. Look at the Art Gallery Installation Web site. What are some of the architectural references in this installation?
b. Describe some examples of parallel lines and transversals in this installation.
c. Now, we'll look at the architecture of houses.c. Now, we'll look at the Look at the Palmer House in Jefferson County, Florida at the Historic Places Web site. Give examples of parallel lines and their corresponding transversals.
d. Below is a simple sketch of the roof of the house. Suppose the architect decided that the roof over the entryway should make a 40° angle with the horizontal and that the roofs for the small dormer windows should be parallel to the entryway roof. Based on your knowledge of angles associated with parallel lines and their transversals, write in the measures of all the other angles in the sketch below.
e. Describe examples of parallel lines and their corresponding transversals in the building on the San Juan de Aspalaga Web site in Jefferson County, Florida.
f. Below is a simple sketch of the front of the building. Suppose that the architect decided that the angle at the very top of the roof should be 110°. Based on your knowledge of angles associated with parallel lines and their transversals, write in the measures of all the other angles in the sketch.
g. Why are many houses' roofs slanted rather than horizontal?
h. Now, we'll look at parallels and transversals in the Eiffel Tower Web site in Paris. Study the design of the tower directly above the arch. Sketch a portion of this section which illustrates the use of parallels and transversals.i. Why do you think the architect put diagonal transversals in this section of the tower?
j. Why did the architect place diagonal transversals slanting in two directions rather than just one?
