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Mathematical Principles Hidden in Our Cultural Assets

Mathematical Principles Hidden in Our Cultural Assets

Bumgye M.S Hyeon Seo

 

     Did you know that math has a close relation with architecture? Even centuries ago, our ancestors built some conventional sculptures which are nowadays highly appreciated by their delicacy and traditional beauty. Here’s an example.

 

     Hanok, the traditional folk house, was first designed and built in the 14th century during the Joseon Dynasty. What we have to focus is eaves which has the role of a roof. Looking closer, you can see that it falls off with a trace of a smooth curve. This ‘curve’ is called a cycloid. A cycloid refers to the track of a dot marked on a circle which is rolled over a straight line. And Since it is a tautochrone, it is featured by simultaneous falls on the floor regardless of where the object is placed on the curve. By applying this principle to roof tiles, it allows rainwater to flow as quickly as possible to prevent leaking. Cycloid also helps to prevent corrosion of wooden buildings by reducing the amount of time that rainwater stays on the roof. Desptie this, we can express a very natural and elegant curvature and emphasize the traditional characteristic of our culture.

 

     Beside Hanok, there are many mathematical principles hidden in our cultural asserts. For more information, I recommend you to read a book called “Reading Cultural Assets in the Language of Math.”

 

conventional : 전통적인, cycloid : 사이클로이드, trace : 자취, tautochrone : 등시곡선, simultaneous : 동시의, corrosion : 부식

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