In this lecture Sir Roger Penrose describes how crystalline symmetries are necessarily 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, or 6-fold. Yet, in the 1970s, 5-fold, 8-fold, 10-fold and 12-fold, ‘almost’ crystalline patterns were found, often beautiful to behold.
These structures have influenced mathematicians and architects alike, notably in the new Mathematical Institute Building where Roger’s own unique non-repeating pattern adorns the entrance.