Math Monday: Giant Zometool sculpture

Science
Math Monday: Giant Zometool sculpture
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Giant Zometool sculpture

By George Hart for the Museum of Mathematics

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What is the largest geometric structure you have ever made? This giant Zometool construction contains 50,000 parts and is five meters in diameter.

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As this detail image shows, Zometool is a plastic construction set with hubs and struts that provide lengths and angles for making mathematical models. The effect of elegant smooth curves results from many short straight pieces.

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The sculpture was made at the Bridges Math/Art conference in Banff. Over a hundred people worked together to execute this beautiful design by Chris Kling, in memorial to him. At The Museum of Mathematics, we support this sort of hands-on building experience to convey mathematical principles in a fun, engaging manner.

More:
Math Monday: Giant burr puzzles
Math Monday: Fractal polyhedra clusters
Math Monday: Giant SOMA puzzle
Math Monday: Tie your bagel in a knot!
Math Monday: Playing card constructions
Introducing “Math Monday”

4 thoughts on “Math Monday: Giant Zometool sculpture

  1. Dave says:

    … and you gotta love the geodesic turban in the front row!

  2. Anonymous says:

    What is every one looking at? Were they not informed that they were about to snap the picture?! :) …and the lady scratching her head! Awesome! Too bad it’s probably all over the Internet by now. :)

    Great job on the sculpture though, it is definitely cool!

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

View more articles by Gareth Branwyn

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