IN OUR TUNNEL: Mythical solids and a magic apple
The fact that KTH's own station in the subway system has natural science as a theme has probably not escaped the attention of students of technology. But what exactly is it that adorns these arches?
In the tunnels that were opened up in the early 70s, 18 metres below ground level, early theories of the greats of science concerning the universe are put on display. The most prominent are the Platonic solids, which are three-dimensional geometric solids (polyhedrons) whose sides consist of uniform polygons. There are only five platonic solids, which have fascinated people for centuries and have been ascribed various symbolic values.
Suggestive symbolic values
Plato's philosophy has perhaps the strongest connection between the solids and symbols, which is reflected in the very name ”Platonic solid”. Plato associated the four elements of earth, air, water and fire with the various solids. He based all links on intuitive associations. For example, he associated the tetrahedron's pronounced form and sharp edges with heat and penetrating fire. Accordingly, he associated the relatively stable and motionless cube with earth.
In the four corners of the station, we have the polyhedrons for fire, earth, air and water. In the middle of the platform hangs a glass dodecahedron as a magnificent representation of the universe. Inside this, it is illustrated how for example a planet moves in the proximity of a black hole.
A mechanical alphabet and Vortex Theory
Christopher Polhem's mechanical alphabet and Descarte's Vortex Theory are displayed on the respective short sides of the arches' inner walls. Polhem's mechanical alphabet consists of a collection of models, including gearwheels and racks, which show the relationship of their movement. His alphabet therefore does not consist of letters; it is rather a type of catalogue of various possible assemblies. In brief, the Vortex Theory is Descarte's idea that the universe consists of material in the form of stars and planets, which are in a continuous vortex motion in order to fill all of the empty space.
Around the platform, you will also find quotes from Leonardo da Vinci, Copernicus and Einstein, among others. The number of boardings from platform to subway amounts to around 26,800 people on weekdays (SL, 2010).
Newton's apple
On a large glass plate, Newton's three laws of motion are presented. From the ceiling of the subway tunnel above hangs a large, brilliantly coloured apple. Judging by its size, it would be rather painful to catch this apple on the head. But who knows? Perhaps it would prove to be a sign of luck rather than a mere accident. To receive a knock and have the old think box shaken about a bit can lead to pieces of the puzzle falling into place – sometimes in such a way that new, exciting (and pioneering) thoughts begin to take shape.
A mechanical alphabet and Vortex Theory
Christopher Polhem's mechanical alphabet and Descarte's Vortex Theory are displayed on the respective short sides of the arches' inner walls. Polhem's mechanical alphabet consists of a collection of models, including gearwheels and racks, which show the relationship of their movement. His alphabet therefore does not consist of letters; it is rather a type of catalogue of various possible assemblies. In brief, the Vortex Theory is Descarte's idea that the universe consists of material in the form of stars and planets, which are in a continuous vortex motion in order to fill all of the empty space.
Around the platform, you will also find quotes from Leonardo da Vinci, Copernicus and Einstein, among others. The number of boardings from platform to subway amounts to around 26,800 people on weekdays (SL, 2010).
Newton's apple
On a large glass plate, Newton's three laws of motion are presented. From the ceiling of the subway tunnel above hangs a large, brilliantly coloured apple. Judging by its size, it would be rather painful to catch this apple on the head. But who knows? Perhaps it would prove to be a sign of luck rather than a mere accident. To receive a knock and have the old think box shaken about a bit can lead to pieces of the puzzle falling into place – sometimes in such a way that new, exciting (and pioneering) thoughts begin to take shape.
Anna Klöfver
