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Robert Hooke’s Fire Monument: Architecture as a Scientific Instrument

In: Architecture and Mathematics from Antiquity to the Future

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  • Maria Zack

    (Point Loma Nazarene University, Department of Mathematical, Information and Computer Sciences)

Abstract

After the Great London Fire of 1666, Robert Hooke was appointed along with Christopher Wren to lead the massive effort to rebuild the City of London. Hooke was involved extensively in all aspects of the rebuilding of London, both the mundane (widening streets and establishing property boundaries) and the creative (designing churches and civic buildings). Although very little of Hooke’s architectural work has survived the passage of time, the Monument to the Great Fire is a shining example of his creativity. As a monument, it is fairly conventional—a column resting on a prism, but as a scientific instrument it is ingenious. At the time of the monument’s design, Hooke was conducting experiments on both the motion of the earth and the measurement of gravity. To further this research, the monument was constructed to contain a zenith telescope as well as a gravitational “lab.” This paper will discuss how the scientific uses of the Monument were integrated into its design.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Zack, 2015. "Robert Hooke’s Fire Monument: Architecture as a Scientific Instrument," Springer Books, in: Kim Williams & Michael J. Ostwald (ed.), Architecture and Mathematics from Antiquity to the Future, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 257-267, Springer.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-319-00143-2_17
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-00143-2_17
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