Making Waves. Math is Cool Stuff.

Beinfield Architecture's recently installed "wave" fence is the crown on a new play area at the Stepping Stones Museum, just in time for the ELLI* Program for children ages 18 – 36 months.

The new "wave" fence

Rendering by Jonathan Velasquez

Given the collective effort to layer educational content into all aspects of the museum, the Beinfield team offers the mathematical basis for the design:

“We divided the circumference by 12 which yielded a wavelength of 17 feet.
(204/12 =17) The amplitude of the wave is 13.75 inches which was based making arcs that were .5 times the wavelength, or 8.5 feet. The attached template was a result of those calculations. It was an understanding of these simple mathematical principals that enabled Colin and me to supply a revised template based on the decisions made in the field, in a timely manner.
Math is cool stuff.”     Bruce

Beinfield Architecture designed the new wing of the Stepping Stones Museum in 2009 which earned three "green" awards, and was one of the first projects in the state to achieve LEED Gold status. "The design employs a range of solutions, from energy efficiency and use of alternative energy sources, to ensuring healthy indoor air quality and water conservation."

*Early Language and Literacy Initiative -
A captivating 8-week series of play-filled classes designed to engage children in a
multidisciplinary exploration of their world and support parents and caregivers as children’s first teachers. Classes take place throughout the museum and align with Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards.