Escheresque Tessellations Based on Squares
Robert W. Fathauer · 2020
A grid of squares is the simplest geometric basis for a tessellation and therefore a good starting point in learning to design tessellations. At the same time, a square grid offers a wide range of possibilities, including tessellations with translational, rotational, and glide reflection symmetries. This chapter presents templates that provide examples of each type of symmetry. Square grids are provided that can be used to guide the design of tessellations using hand drawing and cutting techniques. The templates can be used to create tessellations either by hand or using a drawing program on a computer. The detailed example shows how to create a tessellation by hand, but it is straightforward to mimic these steps using a computer drawing program. M.C. Escher utilized square grids in many of his tessellations.