Watch and learn

Ok class, turn to page 56 of your current issue and we'll begin. If you have a magazine to hand you'll find an article entitled "A Maths Lesson" but don't panic, Selvedge hasn't struck off in an entirely new direction. During the making of issue 63 we came across the work of "Ethno-mathematician" Dr Ron Eglash, author of the brilliant African Fractals. He opened our eyes to the fractal patterns underpinning architecture, art and design in many parts of Africa. We were thrilled when he agreed to expand on the topic for Selvedge. It's pretty complex and the best insight into it is through Ron's own words. Click below to listen to his inspiring TED talk which begins with his recollection of visiting African families and greeting them with the phrase "I am a mathematician, and I would like to stand on your roof." And if you want to complete the extension work watch another talk by architect Xavier Vilalta. And readers interested in experimenting with their own textile computations are invited to play online at community.csdt.rpi.edu