Surrealist Geometries as a Design Method

This research explores "surrealist geometry" as an innovative design method to counteract the blandness and lack of spiritual depth in modern architecture. Building on the 1930s Surrealist movement’s critique of Cartesian geometry, it seeks to integrate emotional and spiritual dimensions into architectural design. By revisiting surrealist principles and applying them to contemporary practice, the study aims to create spaces that bridge the gap between dream and reality. This approach is expected to enrich the architectural experience by fostering a deeper connection between people and their environments.

The project will begin with a review of key theoretical texts, including André Breton’s “Manifestos of Surrealism” and Edmund Husserl’s “Origin of Geometry,” to establish a conceptual framework. Next, I will analyze surrealist artworks and architectural designs, focusing on figures like Man Ray and Alberto Giacometti, and extend these ideas to contemporary practices with case studies of Isamu Noguchi and Daniel Libeskind. The research will explore how these surrealist concepts can be applied at various scales, from individual sculptures to urban designs. Finally, I will synthesize the findings into a scholarly paper and present them at the USP symposium, with guidance from Dr. Hui Zou.

​The contemporary architectural landscape is increasingly characterized by a focus on functionality, industrial efficiency, and standardized geometric forms, often at the expense of emotional and spiritual dimensions. This trend has led to a proliferation of structures that, while efficient and practical, can feel devoid of character and personal connection. In contrast, the Surrealist movement of the 1930s challenged conventional geometrical norms, emphasizing imaginative and irrational forms that sought to evoke deeper emotional and psychological responses. By revisiting and applying these Surrealist principles, this research aims to address the current architectural trend’s limitations and reintroduce a sense of wonder and spiritual resonance into modern design.