The Building Culture Podcast - #41 Joachim Tantau: Sacred Geometry, Beauty, and the Universal Language of Nature

In this episode, I sit down with Joachim Tantau–a cabinetmaker, artist, teacher, and occasional architect to explore the quiet power of sacred geometry. Joachim works at the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and cosmic math. His approach to design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about uncovering the fundamental order embedded in nature, music, architecture, and even the movements of planets.

We talk about how flowers, planets, and buildings all share hidden proportional systems; why the Golden Ratio keeps showing up in history and design; and how ancient builders created structures more efficient-and more awe-inspiring-than much of what we build today. We also dig into why beauty is not just a luxury, but a basic human need.

If you’ve ever felt like modern buildings don’t quite “speak” to you, this might explain why.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Role of Sacred Geometry in Design

03:12 Exploring Sacred Geometry

08:30 Understanding Sacred Geometry

13:27 The Intersection of Geometry and Music

17:03 Sacred Geometry in Architecture

27:16 The Importance of Beauty in Design

39:01 Geometry in Modern Engineering

48:53 Rediscovering Wonder in the Modern World

54:09 The Distinction Between Pleasure and Enjoyment

01:00:17 Connecting Architecture with Nature and Geometry

01:06:04 Ancient Architecture and Cosmic Proportions

01:11:10 Teaching Sacred Geometry in Design

01:17:26 Practical Applications of Sacred Geometry in Architecture

CONNECT WITH JOACHIM:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joachimtantau/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoachimTantau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joachim-tantau-53849055

Website: https://www.joachimtantau.com/home.html 

MENTIONED RESOURCES:

The Hidden Geometry of Flowers: Living Rhythms, Form and Number by Keith Critchlow: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12293965-the-hidden-geometry-of-flowers 

The Dimensions of Paradise: Sacred Geometry, Ancient Science, and the Heavenly Order on Earth by John Michell : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1443804.The_Dimensions_of_Paradise 

Sacred Art in East and West by Titus Burckhardt: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/371784.Sacred_Art_in_East_and_West_1st_Edition