About the project

Geometry inspired by classical elements

Every major philosophy is based on an attempt to describe the origin of the world and its structure, with the basic elements playing a central role.

The idea of alchemy is based on five or more classical elements: earth, water, fire, air, ether, space, etc. Each element has its own properties, also linked to a certain language of forms. Contact and interaction with geometry gives us the physical ability to experience forms, to connect with natural forces and to connect with higher levels of consciousness, finding the common pattern that connects us all physically and spiritually.

When elements are combined, they take on the characteristics of living things – a complex geometry or shape where the elements are just a part and the start of more complex structures.

The form allows us to perceive the object and its concept both as an image and as a symbol. Architecture is a language of forms, and design works with forms. Architecture is a relationship between people, space and geometry, it gives scale and enables to feel the impact on emotional state, energy and vitality. When properly realised, it enables to experience a sense of harmony.

Architecture shapes how we experience and explore objects and spaces. Working with symmetrical architecture reminds us of the importance of proportional geometry in everyday life!

Architects, designers and other like – minded people who are beginning to realise the truth about the healing power of sacred geometry revive esoteric knowledge and sacred tools that are already naturally built within us to help us ascend to new levels of consciousness.

In European historical records, Pythagoras (c. 570 – 495 BC), the first known geometrician, believed that learning through symbols was the most important way of transmitting knowledge. Words cannot fully express what geometry and symbols can. The eminent ancient Greek philosopher Plato (c. 420 BC) became the successor to Pythagoras. In his work “Timaeus”, he discusses the metaphysics of the structure of the world and searches for its basic elements. Mathematics and symmetry are a way of observing the underlying structure of the world, also by noticing how symmetrical and geometric shapes are in nature. Sacred geometry is also a contemplation of the interaction between the environment and mathematically constructed and symmetrical objects. Plato speaks of five symmetrical forms or solids:

1. hexagon or cube (hexahedron) – corresponds to the earth element (solid); 

2. tetrahedron (triangular pyramid) – corresponds to the fire element (energy);

3. octahedron (polyhedron with eight faces) – corresponds to the air element (wind, motion); 

4. icosahedron (twenty-sided shape) – corresponds to the water element (viscosity between solids); 

5. dodecahedron (twelve-sided shape) –- corresponds to the ether element (space).

The first four forms are constructed from regular triangles and represent the philosophy of a world which is made of matter, – the four primal elements of fire, water, earth and air. The dodecahedron is special, representing the ether element, which fills the void between the other elements, and is constructed from regular pentagons.

Within the framework of project in Latvia five Platonic geometric objects are created and placed in nature in pre-selected locations, serving as special tourist points for travellers and encouraging them to explore Latvia by learning about geometric shapes and their meaning. A valuable tourist attraction for everyone, but also a place of philosophical reflection for the curious to observe the fusion of elements with nature. 

Human thought, like nature, is driven by experience and responds to it in order to shape the world within itself. Natural forms guide human thought, encourage contemplation, especially when accompanied by knowledge of the historical and philosophical significance of objects. The purpose of the Plato’s geometric forms is to lead people to reflect on their relationship with nature and the Earth, which forms the foundations of our physical reality.

Each architectural object is characterised not only by geometric shape, but also by colour and its position in the environment. Many buildings in Latvia are situated in natural settings, away from man-made structures. By placing Plato’s geometric shapes in an undeveloped environment, a space is created to observe and feel how the straight lines fit into the natural environment. The aim and intention of placing the objects in nature is to lead the visitor of the park to find the answer – how to find the right harmony between form, functionality and placement, so that the object fits into the landscape, allowing to feel, witness and experience how man-made forms contrast or merge with the environment.

As Plato’s forms represent also feelings, not only geometric objects, but the objects are also located in different regions of Latvia. The placement of objects emphasizes their maintenance in daily life. Without proper surveillance, items and places can degrade, lose cultural and historical value, and eventually disappear.

“The attitude to the language of form, space and environment varies according to the depth of a person’s cognition. Understanding the interaction between nature and humans helps us perceive the environment and architecture more authentically, impacting our senses and emotions. Understanding the significance of form and structure can not only enhance our perception but also have the potential to fundamentally change our lives.”

Janis Kononovs, author of environmental objects of sacred geometry