Math Monday: Giant Zometool sculpture

Science
Math Monday: Giant Zometool sculpture
Math_Monday_banner_600px.gif

Giant Zometool sculpture

By George Hart for the Museum of Mathematics

zometool-construction.jpg

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

Zometool-Sculpture-detail.jpg

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.

zometool-group.jpg

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”

What will the next generation of Make: look like? We’re inviting you to shape the future by investing in Make:. By becoming an investor, you help decide what’s next. The future of Make: is in your hands. Learn More.

Tagged

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
Discuss this article with the rest of the community on our Discord server!

ADVERTISEMENT

Escape to an island of imagination + innovation as Maker Faire Bay Area returns for its 16th iteration!

Prices Increase in....

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
FEEDBACK