For my midterm generative art system, I am developing three different design directions. This post focuses on Design 1, which explores Islamic geometric structure through sinusoidal motion.
This design is built around a 10-point star (decagram) arranged in a staggered grid. Instead of treating the geometry as static ornament, I animate it using a sine wave so each star opens and closes over time.
The goal is to reinterpret Islamic geometry in a contemporary, computational way. I’m not copying historical patterns directly. I’m rebuilding their mathematical logic and making them dynamic.
Core System
Each star is constructed using polar coordinates and radial symmetry. The opening movement is controlled by a sine wave:
I also applied easing to soften the movement so it feels less mechanical and more architectural.
The system integrates:
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Trigonometry and polar coordinates
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Grid logic with staggered rows
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Sinusoidal animation
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Easing functions
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Interactive controls (pause and save)
Pressing space pauses the animation. Pressing “S” exports a high resolution frame, which allows me to capture specific moments for print.
Visual States
Although this is one generative system, it produces multiple distinct visual states:
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Fully closed stars: dense and compact
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Mid-open stars: balanced and structured
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Fully expanded stars: light and porous
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Ripple states: different areas opening at different times
These states will help me select compositions for printing.
Challenges and Next Steps
The main challenge has been controlling the amount of spread when the stars open. Too much expansion causes the geometry to lose its structural clarity. Finding that balance has been key.
Moving forward, I plan to:
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Refine line weight variations
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Experiment with subtle color variations
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Test alternate grid densities
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Develop Design 2 and Design 3 as distinct explorations
This first design establishes the structural and mathematical foundation of the project. The next two designs will push the system in different conceptual and visual directions.