Search the Design+Encyclopedia:

Cylinder


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
433903
Cylinder

Cylinder is a three-dimensional geometric shape consisting of two parallel, congruent circular bases connected by a curved surface. In the context of design, cylinders are fundamental forms that find applications across various disciplines. Architecturally, cylindrical shapes are employed in columns, towers, and other structural elements, offering both aesthetic appeal and structural stability. In industrial design, cylinders are ubiquitous in products such as bottles, cans, pipes, and containers, chosen for their simplicity, efficiency in material usage, and ease of manufacturing. Cylindrical forms also play a role in automotive design, evident in wheels, exhaust pipes, and other components. The cylinder's rotational symmetry allows for balanced weight distribution and smooth, streamlined appearances. In graphic design, the cylinder is a basic shape used in creating logos, icons, and other visual elements. Its clean, geometric form conveys a sense of stability, unity, and precision. The study of cylinders in design often involves considerations of proportion, scale, material properties, and manufacturing techniques. Designers may manipulate the height, radius, and wall thickness of cylinders to achieve desired functional and aesthetic outcomes. The interplay of light and shadow on cylindrical surfaces can create visually engaging effects, making cylinders a popular choice in lighting design and sculptural art installations. Historically, cylindrical forms have been present in design since ancient times, from classical Greek and Roman architecture to the modernist works of the 20th century, showcasing their enduring appeal and adaptability across styles and eras.

rotational symmetry, geometric form, structural stability, visual balance

John Armstrong

361325
Cylinder

A cylinder is a geometric shape that is commonly used in many fields, including engineering, construction, and mathematics. It is a three-dimensional object that has two parallel circular bases and a curved surface that connects the two bases. The bases are perpendicular to the curved surface, and the height of the cylinder is the distance between the two bases. Cylinders are often used in engineering and construction because of their strength and durability. They are commonly used to create pipes, columns, and tanks, as well as in the design of engines and other mechanical devices. In mathematics, cylinders are used to calculate the volume and surface area of various objects. One important aspect of cylinders is their ability to be stacked or nested together. This makes them useful in many applications where space is limited, such as in storage containers or shipping crates. Cylinders can also be used to create complex shapes and structures, such as in the design of bridges and other large-scale constructions. In addition to their practical applications, cylinders also have aesthetic value. They are often used in art and design to create interesting and visually appealing shapes and patterns. Cylinders can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and glass, and can be finished in a wide range of colors and textures. Overall, cylinders are a versatile and important shape that has many practical and aesthetic applications. Whether in engineering, construction, mathematics, or art, cylinders are a fundamental part of our world and will continue to be used in a wide range of applications for years to come.

geometry, engineering, construction, mathematics, strength

Matthew Scott

246133
Cylinder

In geometry, a cylinder is a three-dimensional shape which has two parallel bases that are circular in shape, and a curved side that connects the two bases. A cylinder is a solid object that consists of two flat faces and a curved surface. The curved surface can be described as a curved line that lies on the surface of the cylinder. The curved line is known as the generatrix and the flat faces are known as the bases. The generatrix and the bases are perpendicular to each other. The volume of a cylinder is equal to the area of its base multiplied by its height. The surface area of a cylinder is equal to the sum of the area of the two circles and the area of the curved side. Cylinders are used in many engineering and construction applications, such as to create pipes, columns, and tanks.

Cylinder, 3D, Geometry, Solid Object, Generatrix

Kenneth Harris

CITATION : "Kenneth Harris. 'Cylinder.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=246133 (Accessed on June 27, 2025)"


Cylinder Definition
Cylinder on Design+Encyclopedia

We have 216.545 Topics and 472.615 Entries and Cylinder has 3 entries on Design+Encyclopedia. Design+Encyclopedia is a free encyclopedia, written collaboratively by designers, creators, artists, innovators and architects. Become a contributor and expand our knowledge on Cylinder today.