Space Tunnel

Today, we have a more abstract art-ish Math Art for all to enjoy. This is Space Tunnel, by Clifford Pickover. It’s mathematically built, and it’s surreal at the same time. The eye gives a Dali-like feel, like you’re being watched as you traverse the tunnel.

Says Clifford,

The space tunnel’s girder configuration is based on a class of cagelike carbon molecules called fullerenes, which are exceptionally strong.

Just as an extra information, fullerene latices are the basis of carbon nanotubes. I think they once showed it on Discovery channel, and compared it as being stronger than kevlar.

Where’s the math you ask? The lattice is a pattern, obviously, and patterns can be expressed by algebra. In fact, there is an branch of algebra called Lattice Theory. Apply that to geometry, and there you go - a lattice geometry (note, it’s not a geometric lattice, as geometric lattice usually refers to a algebraic lattice that is progressing geometrically - i.e. the lattice interval is geometric)

Today’s Math-Art is rather unlike the usual Math-Arts, but it’s still art to me. If anything, Clifford’s work proves that Math doesn’t have to be boring. It may be abstract (especially when it comes down to things like nth dimensions), but just as well, mathematics can be a basis for other forms of abstract art, just like Space Tunnel.