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The world's first permanent public museum exhibition designed by Zaha Hadid Architects has opened at the Science Museum in London. Mathematics: The Winton Gallery highlights the integral role of mathematics in everyday life through storytelling devices, historical artifacts, and interior design. It is the first Zaha Hadid project to be completed in the United Kingdom since the famous architect's untimely death in March 2016.
The experimental Handley Page 'Gugnunc' airplane hangs above the centre of the gallery, demonstrating the wing design that was informed by ground-breaking aerodynamic research. The plane was built in 1929 as part of a competition to construct safe aircraft. Its innovations — which illustrate how mathematics are applied to solve real-world problems — helped sway public perception over the safety of flying. The plane forms the overarching theme of the gallery and its sweeping interior design. The gallery's layout and lines symbolize the air flow around the historic aircraft in flight. The curved surface of the central pod with the outlying benches and displays are systematically organized around this unifying design concept.
"At its heart, this gallery reveals a rich cultural story of human endeavour that has helped transform the world over the last 400 years," said Curator Dr. David Rooney. "Mathematical practice underpins so many aspects of our lives and work, and we hope that bringing together these remarkable stories, people, and exhibits will inspire visitors to think about the role of mathematics in a new light."
Hadid developed her enthusiasm for geometry while studying mathematics in university. With mathematics, geometry, and architecture intrinsically intertwined, the project seemed like a perfect fit for the award-winning firm. "We were hugely impressed by the ideas and vision of the late Dame Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher when they first presented their design for the new mathematics gallery over two years ago," said Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum Group. "It was a terrible shock for us all when Dame Zaha died suddenly in March this year, but I am sure that this gallery will be a lasting tribute to this world-changing architect and provide inspiration for our millions of visitors for many years to come."
Historic objects within the gallery range from a 17th century Islamic astrolabe that sketches the night sky to an early example of the Enigma machine, designed to resist code-breaking during the Second World War. Now open daily, The Winton Gallery is free to visit.
