Having watched Inception for what is probably around the fifth time, I felt inspired to put together a collection of Penrose-esque designs. Inception is a brilliant example of a film which makes use of impossible objects; an example that springs to mind are the Penrose stairs, devised by renowned mathematician Sir Roger Penrose, which were used in multiple instances within the film. Penrose also devised the impossible triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon and octagon. The designs and scenes below are prime examples of Penrose’s work and genius in action.

About Sir Roger Penrose

“Sir Roger Penrose (born 8 August 1931), is an English mathematical physicist, recreational mathematician and philosopher. He is internationally renowned for his scientific work in mathematical physics, in particular his contributions to general relativity and cosmology. He has received a number of prizes and awards, including the 1988 Wolf Prize for physics which he shared with Stephen Hawking for their contribution to our understanding of the universe.”

Penrose Stairs

The Penrose stairs, featured in Inception

Impossible Something by Josh Summers

 

 

Penrose Triangle

V/Play logo by Jan Zabransky

NatWest logo

Impossible triangle sculpture, East Perth, Western Australia

Triangle by James Green

Mark for Logo Energy Exhibition by Alexander Sapelkin

The Verge logo

Penrose Triangle by Fabio Sasso

Penrose Planet by Steve Fraschini

Triangle by Reprovinci

Waterfall by Maurits Cornelis Escher (inspired Penrose)

Marius Roosendaal

CSS Piffle logo

Penrose Square

Perception by Ugmonk

Penrose Square Stairs

Space Square by Jonathan Lockhead

Thanks for reading. If you want to view some more astounding examples of geometry in design, then take a look at Laurens Martin’s article, 15 Beautiful Examples of Geometry in Art and Design. If you have any more great examples, please don’t hesitate to share them in the comments section below.