Slide Script & Explanation

Member: Ralph
(Introduction)

Slide 1

Member: Ralph
In our presentation, we will discuss different key concepts including conic sections
focusing on the non-degenerate conic sections and the application of conic sections in
different architectural structures.
Slide 2

Member: Roxanne
First of all, let’s discuss about conic sections. What are conic sections? Conic sections
are the curves obtained from the intersection between a double-napped cone and a
plane. plane. It can be classified into two: the non-degenerate conic sections and the
degenerate conic sections.
Slide 3

Member: Roxanne
Now, let’s go through the non-degenerate conic sections one by one. First, circles are
formed when the intersection of the plane is perpendicular to the axis of revolution.
Take note of the word, perpendicular. On the other hand, parabolas are formed when
the plane is parallel to the generating line of one cone. Meanwhile, ellipses are
formed when the plane intersects one cone at an angle other than 90 degrees. Lastly,
Slide 4 hyperbolas are formed when the plane is parallel to the axis of revolution or the 𝑦-
axis.

Member: Roxanne
Here are the illustrations of the non-degenerate conic sections we’ve mentioned a
while ago. Those are the first classification of conic sections. Meanwhile, degenerate
conic sections are formed when a plane intersects the cone in such a way that it
passes through the apex. And there are three degenerate conic sections that are
Slide 5 possible: a single point, a line, and two intersecting lines.

Member: Ralph
Now that we’ve discussed about conic sections, let’s proceed to the application of
these in different architectural structures.

Slide 6
 Member: Ralph
First, let’s talk about architecture. Architecture is the art and technique of designing
and building, as distinguished from the skills associated with construction. The
practice of architecture is employed to fulfill both practical and expressive
requirements, and thus it serves both utilitarian and aesthetic ends.
Slide 7

Member: PL
For the first type of conic sections, we have circles. Circular shapes are mostly used as
symbolic designs in architecture around the world. One example of circle in
architecture is Al Dar Headquarters. Nowadays, the circle is not usually employed in
designing the majority of some buildings, due to the fact that the use of circular
structures makes it harder for the structure to be furnished and results in more
complicated in plans with perpendicular partitions. But in reality, there are also many
Slide 8 advantages of the use of circle and sphere in architecture. The use of the circle results
to the most efficient figure of all when it comes to savings in surface area. It also has
better behavior regarding winds and solar radiation.

Member: PL
Here in the right side, you can see the Al Dar Headquarters that I’ve mentioned
before. It is located in Abu Dhabi. While on the left side, it’s the Guangzhou Circle in
China. As we can see, both structures are circular in shape.
Slide 9

Member: Yhecxel
For the next type of conic sections, we have parabola. In structures, the curve of a
parabola represents an efficient method of load, and so it can be found in bridges and
in other architectural structures. Most of the times, it is used as an arch. Suspension
bridges and arches are parabolic in nature. It allows more support to the whole
structure. One example of parabola in architecture is the Golden State Bridge. It is
Slide 10 built and designed that way to support the wind and so it would be more stable.

Member: Yhecxel
Now on the picture in the left side, we can see the Golden State Bridge in San
Francisco, California. The cable of this suspension bridge forms a parabolic shape. On
the other hand, the picture on the right is the L’Oceanografic which is an oceanarium
situated in Valencia, Spain.
Slide 11
 Member: Lorryne
Next is the ellipse. Ellipses are common architectural elements, often used in ceilings
and windows. One of the examples of ellipse in architecture is Tycho Brahe
Planetarium. The shape of the building is a circular cylinder, with its roofline formed
by a sloping intersecting plane. The resulting elliptical section demonstrates that the
ellipse is a projection of the circle. Furthermore, another application of ellipse in
architecture are the whispering chambers. One thing that makes an ellipse special is
Slide 12 its reflective property. This is important for architects since an elliptical chamber
changes the acoustics of the room. A whisper from one of the focus of the ellipse can
be heard to the other focus, no matter how far it is.

Member: Lorryne
Tycho Brahe Planetarium, the planetarium in Copenhagen, Denmark, is named in
Tycho Brahe’s honor

Slide 13

Member: Paul
Lastly, we have the hyperbola. One of the examples is McDonnell Planetarium. The
sides of this planetarium forms a hyperbola. It is rare to see hyperbolas applied in
architecture since it will become much more complicated but the hyperbolic design of
a structure gives it a more appealing, sophisticating, and interesting vibe.
Furthermore, another example are cooling towers. They are hyperboloid in shape.
Cooling towers are tall structures that should be able to withstand strong winds. The
Slide 14 structure of the cooling tower also accelerates the release of hot air. The faster the
release of hot air, the greater the cooling capacity of the tower. Also, its hyperboloid
shape is more economical because it uses fewer construction materials.

Member: Paul
Presented in your screen are the examples of architectural structures that used the
concept of hyperbola. On the left side is the James McDonnell Planetarium of the St.
Louis Science Center. While on the right side is the Kobe Port Tower which is a
landmark in the port city of Kobe, Japan.
Slide 15

Member: Roxanne
After discussing the four types of non-degenerate conic sections. You might wonder,
what is the importance of conic sections in architecture? But many buildings ang
architectural structures incorporate conic sections into their designs. It is very
essential in the field of architecture because it can further enhance the utilization o
different structures. Architects have many reasons as to why they apply these curves
and conic sections, ranging from structural stability to simple aesthetic. Without conic
Slide 16 sections, there will be no different designs of buildings constructed that we see
nowadays.
 Member: Ralph
Now that we’ve discussed all the important key concepts. Let’s try and analyze these
word problems involving the different conic sections.

Slide 17

Member: Paul
First we have the word problem for circles, here is the given situation. (Read problem
situation)

(Explanations for the solution is already stated in the PowerPoint, you can read or add
Slide 18-19 additional explanations if you want.)

Member: Yhecxel
For the next problem involving parabolas, here is the given situation. (Read problem
situation)

(Explanations for the solution is already stated in the PowerPoint, you can read or add
Slide 20-23 additional explanations if you want.)

Member: Lorryne
Next let’s have the word problem for ellipse. (Read problem situation)

(Explanations for the solution is already stated in the PowerPoint, you can read or add
additional explanations if you want.)
Slide 24-26

Member: PL
Lastly, here is the word problem for hyperbola. (Read problem situation)

(Explanations for the solution is already stated in the PowerPoint, you can read or add
additional explanations if you want.)
Slide 27-30

Member: Ralph
(Conclusion/Outro)

Slide 31