28. Mathematics: The Winton Gallery – Zaha Hadid Architects

18.
Zaha Hadid Architects (UK)

Mathematics: The Winton Gallery, Science Museum, London

2014-2016
Video
Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects ©
6’

Inaugurated in 2016, The Winton Gallery at the Science Museum in London is a ground-breaking example of the application of mathematics in architecture.

Designed by the late Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, it is inspired by the 1929 Handley Page aircraft suspended in the centre of this 913 m2 space.

In fact, the curved lines and the soft rounded shapes characterizing this gallery have been designed thanks to the Navier-Stokes equations.

These difficult-to-solve equations are used in physics (fluid mechanic) to describe the motion of viscous fluids, such as the air flowing around this historic aircraft in flight. 

From the positioning of the showcases and benches to the three-dimensional curved surfaces of the central pod structure, in this project nothing is left to chance.

The videos presented here illustrate every aspect of the design of the Winton Gallery, from its mathematical inspiration to the application of algorithms to analyse and predict visitors’ behaviour, dynamics, and experience. 

Learn more +

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