Point process statistics: application to modern and contemporary art and design

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn modern and contemporary architecture and art, random patterns appear. Some of these are textures of many small objects (grains, elements or marks), which are randomly scattered and placed at random positions (‘points’ or ‘germs’), forming interesting structures. The paper studies three examples which are made without computer aid and shows that they can be considered as samples or realizations of statistically homogeneous marked point processes. Furthermore, stochastic models (Gibbs point processes) can be fitted to these patterns, as is shown for two examples. This allows the work of designers to be modelled. Finally, the potential of spatial statistics is explained; in particular, the use of statistical summary characteristics as quantitative measures of aesthetic effects is discussed.