Interesting Buildings part 2

 

Welcome to part two in which I’ll discuss more mathematically interesting buildings.  Buildings that are not the standard cube or rectangular prism.  It is interesting that much of the math is what Ill call hidden math in that it helped shape the building but isn’t always immediately visible. 

We’ll start with Chichen Itza in Mexico.  It was built by the Mayan Civilization which is the same ones credited with “inventing” zero.  The 78 foot tall structure is based on the astrological system.  The 52 panels on each side of the building represent the length of the Mayan cycle and  the 18 tiers on each side represent the months of the Mayan calendar while there are 365 steps that represent the days in a year.

Then there is the Segrada Familia in Spain.  The architect created buildings based on hyperbolic paraboloid shapes so they look like saddles.  In addition, there is a magic square in the passion facade whose numbers add up to 33. 

In Bilboa, Spain, one should visit the Guggenheim museum, Its design imitates a ship with titanium panels that look like fish scales.  The architects used a program to create 3 dimensional renderings which allow them to make buildings that are not traditionally shaped.

Of course, one can pop over to Belgium to visit Philips Pavilion. This pavilion named after an electronics company was built back in the 1950’s to celebrate the technological advances experienced after World War II.  The structure uses several  hyperbolic paraboloid shapes combined with steel cable to create a soaring visual. 

For something different, head to Toronto to check out the $24 million dollar home built by a ravine.   The owner who used to be a calculus professor, wanted a house that incorporated the integral sign into its design and it’s named the “Integral House”. In addition to being a home, it is large enough to accommodate 200 for a concert and the walls and windows are designed to vibrate ensuring beautiful sound.  

Finally, check out the Cube Village, designed by a Dutch architect. These cube shaped buildings are on top of a pedestrian bridge and imitate a forest.  It is composed of three levels, where the top level is made up totally of windows which makes it feel as if it is a completely different structure.  

There are other structures out there that are built on mathematical principles.  These are just a few one can show practical applications of math and the world out there.  Let me know what you think, I’d love to hear.