The SunRule: An Interactive Mathematical Sculpture
Justin K. Dimmel, Eric A. Pandiscio, Gregory Ondo, and Samuel Hoey

Proceedings of Bridges 2023: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Culture
Pages 453–456
Short Papers

Abstract

We installed an interactive mathematical sculpture in a public park in Orono, Maine. The SunRule is a physical realization of a geometric definition of multiplication. Its novel design uses the sun’s parallel rays to geometrically construct products. The sculpture consists of a bronze wall that is partially wrapped around the edge of a ruled bronze disk. The disk and orthogonal wall are affixed to a granite plinth. The SunRule is designed to manipulate beams of light that shine through one of seven narrow windows that are cut out of the wall. A bronze-cast ball-and- socket joint allows the disk to be tilted (to change the multiplier) or swiveled (to change the multiplicand), and these actions vary the apparent length of the sun beam that is projected onto the disk (the product).

Files