As we step into the third month of the year, we take a moment to reflect on February—widely known as the month of love. At Mash.T, love takes on many forms: love for craftsmanship, love for storytelling through design, and—perhaps most unexpectedly—love for the undeniable relationship between creativity, mathematics, and science.
There’s a long-standing misconception that creativity and analytical thinking exist in separate worlds. The stereotype that designers, artists, and makers aren’t naturally inclined toward maths and science is one we’ve seen challenged time and time again in the design space. The truth is, these disciplines are not only deeply connected, but they also thrive off each other. Furniture making and interior architecture bring the relevance and practical application of maths and science to life. Interior designers carefully consider measurements, proportions, and spatial planning to ensure that a space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They use geometry to align furniture and architectural features, physics to understand lighting and acoustics, and material science to select the right finishes for durability and sustainability.
Beyond furniture and interiors, traditional African craftwork is another powerful demonstration of mathematical and scientific understanding. Beadwork, for instance, is a highly structured and precise art form that requires an understanding of symmetry, patterns, sequencing, and counting—fundamental concepts of mathematics. The intricate, repetitive designs found in beadwork are a testament to the makers’ grasp of geometry and spatial awareness.
Similarly, the use of ilala palm weaving is a brilliant example of both scientific and mathematical knowledge in practice. The dyeing process of ilala fronds involves understanding the chemical properties of natural pigments found in local vegetation, roots, and tree bark. The precision required to mix, heat, and set these dyes is a direct application of science. Meanwhile, the weaving process itself requires careful calculation of proportions, balance, and tension to create durable, functional, and visually striking forms.
What we love most is that when you have a conversation about creativity, you can pinpoint exactly where maths and science come into play. They’re not abstract concepts confined to textbooks; they are alive in the way we construct, innovate, and push boundaries in design.
So, as we move further into the year, we celebrate this love—the love for problem-solving, for experimentation, and for the beautiful synergy between art and logic. Here’s to another month of making, learning, and embracing the science behind creativity.
With Love
