The Joy of Polar Zonohedra
George Hart

Proceedings of Bridges 2021: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Culture
Pages 7–14
Regular Papers

Abstract

Polar zonohedra are a special class of polyhedra that have inspired sculpture and constructions in many media. The shape is akin to a faceted version of a U.S. football, with two pointed poles. They can vary in complexity and can range in elongation from a pancake shape to a cigar. Several constructions are presented here, including a little library and a dome large enough to hold several people. Some mathematical basics, historical remarks, applications, fabrication techniques, and variations on the ideas are presented.

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