A tessellation is a reflection repeat in symmetrical pattern of figures
or shapes that fit together without any gaps or overlaps. The word tessellation comes from the Latin word "tessella," which means a small tile or piece of stone used in making mosaics. Tessellations can be found in art, architecture, and nature.
One famous example of tessellation in art is the work of Dutch artist M.C. Escher. He created intricate tessellations of animals, people, and geometric shapes that seem to flow endlessly. Some of his most famous works include "Metamorphosis," "Sky and Water," and "Day and Night."
Tessellations are also commonly used in architecture, particularly in tiling and flooring. In Islamic art and architecture, geometric tessellations are used extensively to create complex and intricate designs. These designs are often created using non-regular polygons and can be found in mosques, palaces, and other buildings.
In nature, tessellations can be seen in the shapes of honeycomb structures, the scales of fish and reptiles, and the patterns on butterfly wings. These patterns often serve a functional purpose, such as providing strength or camouflage.
Overall, tessellations are fascinating examples of symmetry and repetition in art, architecture, and nature.
Actually, a tessellation is a pattern of shapes that fits together perfectly with no gaps or overlaps. These shapes can be regular polygons (such as squares, triangles, or hexagons) or irregular shapes, as long as they fit together seamlessly. While symmetrical patterns can be a type of tessellation, a tessellation does not necessarily require reflection repeat or symmetry.
A tessellation is a pattern made up of repeating shapes that fit together without any gaps or overlaps. These repeating shapes are called tiles, and they can be polygons such as triangles, squares, hexagons, or other regular shapes.
To create a tessellation, you can start with a single tile and then repeat it in a symmetrical pattern. One simple way to make a tessellation is through reflection, which involves flipping the tile over a line of symmetry. By arranging these reflected tiles, you can create a repeating pattern that covers a larger surface.
Here's an example of how to create a reflection tessellation using a square tile:
1. Start with a square tile.
2. Choose a side of the square as the line of reflection.
3. Reflect the square over the line by flipping it, while keeping the same size and shape. This creates a mirrored image of the square.
4. Place the mirrored square next to the original square, fitting them together seamlessly along the line of reflection.
5. Repeat this process by reflecting the two squares together as a unit across another line of reflection.
By continuing this process, you can generate a tessellation with squares that fit together perfectly, creating a symmetrical pattern that repeats indefinitely.