Mathematicians of Vrije Universiteit Brussel design unique maths costume for Manneken Pis

Mathematicians of Vrije Universiteit Brussel design unique maths costume for Manneken Pis

“Manneken Pisthagoras” is a tribute to both maths and Brussels

Mathematics is the basis of the sciences and pioneering technologies such as AI. Yet there is too little interest in the field of study. In order to change this, the Department of Mathematics at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has created the very first mathematics suit for Manneken Pis. Belgium’s best-known icon can wear the costume on the occasion of a day celebrating maths, such as Pi Day on 14 March.

For the design of the outfit, the initiators drew inspiration from the Greek mathematician Pythagoras, known as the father of geometry, whose theorem is part of the curriculum. The costume consists of a white and purple gown. The choice of purple as the accent colour next to white, which is typical for antiquity, is not coincidental: it is the colour of the Faculty of Sciences at VUB. For the headgear, a turban was chosen, referring to the journeys Pythagoras regularly made to Babylon. The turban rests on a “klak”, a typical student cap, which is often decorated with buttons and slogans. The one worn by Manneken Pis will reference Brussels and mathematics.

As a final part of the outfit, the VUB mathematicians and Nicolas De Coster of FabLab ULB have developed an accessory that illustrates Pythagoras’ theorem: a plane with a triangle on it. Each side of that triangle is bordered by a square, with the squares on the two short sides filled with water. The construction regularly rotates 180° so that the water from the two squares overflows and fills the third, and largest, square completely.

Dr Ann Kiefer, who is responsible for the initiative with fellow postdoctoral researcher Dr Leo Margolis, explains: “Manneken Pis has more than 1,000 costumes that refer to the most diverse themes. But not a single costume about mathematics, which occupies an important place in our daily lives. And it’s also just an exciting field that is still full of surprises, even for mathematicians themselves. With ‘Manneken Pisthagoras’, we hope to put mathematics on the map at home and abroad. The design has meanwhile been officially approved by the City of Brussels, so now our seamstress Julie De Kezel can really get started.”

For more information, contact:

Ann Kiefer

Ann.kiefer@vub.be

Leo Margolis

leo.margolis@vub.be

 

 

 

 

 

WE
Contact us
Lies Feron
Lies Feron Persrelaties Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Lies Feron
Lies Feron Persrelaties Vrije Universiteit Brussel
About Press - Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By providing excellent research and education on a human scale, VUB wants to make an active and committed contribution to a better society.

The World Needs You

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel assumes its scientific and social responsibility with love and decisiveness. That’s why VUB launched the platform De Wereld Heeft Je Nodig – The World Needs You, which brings together ideas, actions and projects based on six Ps. The first P stands for People, because that’s what it’s all about: giving people equal opportunities, prosperity, welfare, respect. Peace is about fighting injustice, big and small, in the world. Prosperity combats poverty and inequality. Planet stands for actions on biodiversity, climate, air quality, animal rights... With Partnership, VUB is looking for joint actions to make the world a better place. The sixth and last P is for Poincaré, the French philosopher Henri Poincaré, from whom VUB derives its motto that thinking should submit to nothing except the facts themselves. VUB is an ‘urban engaged university’, strongly anchored in Brussels and Europe and working according to the principles of free research.

www.vub.be/dewereldheeftjenodig

 


Press - Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussel