Colin Kim
I am a student who wants to major in architecture but holds a dear
love for math. Thus, I am constantly looking for ways to incorporate
the organic beauty of mathematical concepts into three-dimensional
structures. The Julia Set is the boundary of points on the complex
plane that do and do not diverge to infinity when repeatedly iterated
under a certain function. Depending on the function, the Julia Set
takes on wildly different self-similar shapes. Because most
visualizations of the Julia Set are two-dimensional images, I sought
to create a three-dimensional object that preserves the dynamic nature
and ornate patterns that the Julia Set holds.
I used Python code to extract images of Julia Sets from functions,
varying from $f(x)=x^2$, $f(x)=x^2-0.01$, and so on down to
$f(x)=x^2-0.85$. I then traced their bitmaps to create svg files
that I was able to extrude and layer on top of each other through
3D modeling. Because the functions I used are very slightly
different, the Julia Sets morph gradually whilst their complex
details are preserved. I printed several versions in varying sizes
with liquid resin; one version has holes carved into each circular
section, and can be used as a multifunctional vase/desk organizer.