Collection over noon: Discover mathematical models at the TU Dresden!

Collection over noon: Discover mathematical models at the TU Dresden!

Technische Universität Dresden, Fakultät Mathematik, Institut für Geometrie, Zellerscher Weg 12-14, 01062 Dresden, Deutschland - The Custody of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) continues its “Collection over lunch” series of events in the summer semester 2025. Events take place every second Thursday of the month at 12 noon in the university's collection rooms. This series is aimed at employees, students of the Tud and the interested public. The aim is to give insights into the diverse collections of the university and to present their current use.

The first event deals with the mathematical models collection on April 10, 2025. The planned topics of the other events include the Coloring Treition Collection on May 8, 2025 and the restoration of the custody on July 10, 2025. Experts, including collection officers and scientific staff, will lead through the collections and present extraordinary objects.

insights into the mathematical models

The collection of mathematical models that is located on the Tud has an impressive inventory of over 400 registered objects made of different materials such as wood, plaster and wire. This collection has its roots deep in the history of mathematics and goes back to the 19th century when it was founded in 1849. A significant part of the inventory are historical models from around 1877, which serve as visual material in courses. The collection is partly open to the public and is located in the Willersbau of the Faculty of Mathematics.

Special attention deserves the development and didactic use of the mathematical models. These models not only enable a visual representation of complex geometric concepts, but are also used in natural and technical science disciplines. The first use at German universities, such as the University of Göttingen, lies in the 18th century. The heyday of the mathematical models came in the last third of the 19th century when researchers like Felix Klein and Alexander von Brill highlighted the meaning and potential of these models.

Modelbau and its history of science

In the context of mathematics, models have played a central role. However, the scientific discourse has changed in the course of history. While there was great acceptance for this visual approach in the 19th century, interest in mathematical models was subdued after the First World War. Theoretical approaches questioned their benefits for mathematics and often emphasized that they were only illustrative.

Nevertheless, model construction experienced a selective Renaissance after the Second World War, and new model collections were created, including in cities such as Dresden and Bochum. Technical progress, such as 3D printing, has recently been contributing a growing interest in mathematical models and inspiring the development of new three-dimensional objects on the Tud.

For those who want to learn more about the collections and their meaning, the email address daniel.lordick@tu-dresden.de The contact with Prof. Daniel Lordick, who fungates as contact person for the collection.

The curab and the collections of the TUD not only offer a look at historical exhibits, but also a significant contribution to technical education and scientific research. A sustainable exchange between the past and the present is promoted by these events.

For more information on the events and the collection of mathematical models, please visit the corresponding websites: The Technical University of Dresden href = "http://www.universitaetssammlungen.de/sammlung/78?setlocale=de"> University collections , as well as the Documentation of mathematical models .