Iron Furniture Design · 2021
God's Math Cabinet
- A' Design Award 2021 Iron Winner in Furniture Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: P Squared Innovations
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 10,966
- Verification code 4AA76837E3 · Verify this award
About God's Math Cabinet
God's Math is a cabinet inspired by mathematical patterns found in nature. The Fibonacci spiral is the central design element, and it is surrounded by the golden ratio and the circle. The spiral is built as a welded steel structure that supports and passes through the wooden body. The cabinet has two doors and three compartments, and sits at a height chosen for comfortable use. Rosewood, birdseye maple and cocobolo veneer laminates reduce the amount of solid wood needed. The cabinet measures 1219 mm wide, 508 mm deep and 1981 mm high.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- God's Math successfully melds multiple reoccurring mathematical phenomena in nature into an aesthetically pleasing and fully functional interplay of these phenomena, with the Fibonacci Spiral serving as the central design element, surrounded by the Golden Ratio and the divine circle. A fully functional cabinet seemingly floats in an ergonomically optimized location on a piece which is as interesting to look at as it is efficient and practical in its use - Much the same way nature finds order out of chaos.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Width 1219 mm x Depth 508 mm x Height 1981 mm
- Tags
- Fibonacci, mid-century modern, cabinet, metal, veneer, God, math
- Production Technology
- Project included welding, woodworking and advanced lamination techniques. Rosewood, birdseye maple and Cocobolo were veneer laminates to ensure a sustainable design. Custom forms and creative veneering processes required for both scale and non-linear faces of the piece.
- Design Challenge
- In order for the spiral to accurately represent the Fibonacci Spiral, the mathematical elements were scaled up and represented by the steel welded superstructure. The spiral itself is three distinct components: veneers bent around a form, pressed in a form, and laminated carved pieces of wood. Tangentially related, incorporation of the steel structure into the spiral as it sits within and extending through the spiral.
- Project Duration
- Project began in November, 2019 in Greenville, SC and finished in April, 2020. Currently stored in studio.
- Operation Flow
- working cabinet with two doors and three compartments.
- Research
- Research conducted on both advanced methods for lamination and the recurring mathematical phenomenons found in nature. A great deal of time was spent pondering how to create an aesthetically pleasing and fully functional interplay of these phenomenons, with the Fibonacci Spiral serving as the central design element. Some experiments were run on stability of laminates for such a large and heavy piece, as well as veneering outside curves.
- Inspiration
- The repeating order in our universe, from galaxies to microorganisms shows repeating patterns which can be demonstrated through mathematics. Italian mathematician, Leonardo of Pisa, wrote about this in 1202 in his book, Liber Abaci. The golden ratio is another recurring mathematical ratio which has captured the attention of some of the greatest minds in history. No design referencing God’s math would be replete without the divinity represented by the circle.
- Image Credits
- All images credited/edited by Seth Hunt, EP+Co