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God's Math Kast by Michael Potter

God's Math Kast by Michael Potter is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2021 A' Design Award in IJzer in Meubelontwerp Competition Category.


IJzerMeubels· 2021

God's Math Kast

by Michael Potter

Client: P Squared Innovations

A' Design Award in IJzer Winner in Meubels Category

11,044

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #106050

Colors

The Design

About God's Math Kast

Book Text: God's Math is een kast geïnspireerd door wiskundige patronen die in de natuur worden aangetroffen. De Fibonacci-spiraal is het centrale ontwerpelement en wordt omringd door de gulden snede en de cirkel. De spiraal is opgebouwd als een gelaste stalen structuur die het houten lichaam ondersteunt en erdoorheen loopt. De kast heeft twee deuren en drie compartimenten en staat op een hoogte die is gekozen voor comfortabel gebruik. Fineerlaminaten van palissander, vogelogenesdoorn en cocobolo verminderen de hoeveelheid benodigd massief hout. De kast meet 1219 mm breed, 508 mm diep en 1981 mm hoog.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in IJzer

God's Math Kast is winnaar van de A' Design Award in IJzer, een prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan goede ontwerpen die voldoen aan de professionele en industriële eisen die worden verwacht van goed ontworpen creaties. Winnaars in IJzer tonen grote vaardigheid, hoge specialisatie, deskundig inzicht en het creatieve vermogen van hun makers. God's Math Kast wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerde, bewonderde en gekoesterde creatie te zijn die praktisch en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in IJzer heeft gewonnen, integreert de beste praktijken uit de sector en heeft bekwame technische kenmerken die verbonden zijn met knowhow en talent. God's Math Kast wordt gerespecteerd om zijn grondigheid en is ontworpen om verbeteringen van de levenskwaliteit te bieden die helpen de wereld een betere plek te maken.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
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.
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.
Team Members
Michael Potter
Image Credits
All images credited/edited by Seth Hunt, EP+Co

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