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Press Release

God's Math Cabinet

A' Design Award 2021 Iron Winner in Furniture Design

23 April 2021

God's Math Cabinet by Michael Potter
God's Math Cabinet by Michael Potter
God's Math Cabinet by Michael Potter
God's Math Cabinet by Michael Potter
God's Math Cabinet by Michael Potter

Michael Potter · CLIENT: P Squared Innovations

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

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