A Ludic Journey into Geometric Topology

Book excerpt: This book draws on elements from everyday life, architecture, and the arts to provide the reader with elementary notions of geometric topology. Pac Man, subway maps, and architectural blueprints are the starting point for exploring how knowledge about geometry and, more specifically, topology has been consolidated over time, offering a learning journey that is both dense and enjoyable. The text begins with a discussion of mathematical models, moving on to Platonic and Keplerian theories that explain the Cosmos. Geometry from Felix Klein's point of view is then presented, paving the way to an introduction to topology. The final chapters present the concepts of closed, orientable, and non-orientable surfaces, as well as hypersurface models. Adopting a style that is both rigorous and accessible, this book will appeal to a broad audience, from curious students and researchers in various areas of knowledge to everyone who feels instigated by the power of mathematics in representing our world - and beyond.