The 1,200 Year Maths Mistake

Summary

An art installation called the 'Zeitpyramide' (Time Pyramid) is being constructed in Wemding, Germany to celebrate the town's 1,200th anniversary. It will take 1,200 years to complete, with one large concrete block added every decade. After installing 64 blocks on the ground level, additional layers will create a pyramid shape. However, a math error means it will finish 10 years too early, by 3,183 instead of the intended 2,400 year anniversary in 3,193. The artist's daughter and others involved seem unconcerned about correcting this 'off-by-one' error.

Takeaways

• 😲 The 'Zeitpyramide' (Time Pyramid) art installation in Germany will take 1,200 years to complete
• 🗿 It consists of placing large concrete blocks in layers based on square numbers - starting with 64 blocks
• 😥 They miscalculated and will finish 10 years too early due to an off-by-one fencepost error
• 🤔 The artist's daughter and project leaders don't seem concerned about the mistake
• ✨ It's designed to help humans appreciate the vastness of 1,200 years through incremental progress
• 👴 Each generation contributes blocks over decades to slowly construct the pyramid
• 🎉 People gather to ceremoniously place new blocks, like marking the passing of time
• 😀 The narrator loves it as a 'reverse ruins' - unfinished today but monumental in the future
• 😨 His wife finds the vast timescale terrifying rather than inspirational
• ⏳ Whether feared or loved, it provokes time-related emotions. The long duration is the art

Q & A

What is the Zeitpyramide art installation?

The Zeitpyramide (Time Pyramid) is an art installation in the town of Wemding, Germany, consisting of a pyramid made of concrete blocks. One block is added every decade to symbolize the passing of time, with completion scheduled for the town's 2400th anniversary in 3193 AD.

How many concrete blocks will the finished pyramid contain?

The completed pyramid will contain 120 concrete blocks.

What pattern are the blocks placed in?

The blocks are placed in progressive square number patterns - starting with an 8x8 grid (64 blocks), then 6x6 (36 blocks), 4x4 (16 blocks) and finally 2x2 (4 blocks).

When did construction on the Zeitpyramide begin?

Construction began in 1993 with the laying of the concrete base and the placing of the first block, commemorating the 1200th anniversary of the first recording of Wemding in 793 AD.

What mistake was made in the planning?

Due to an off-by-one error, the installation is scheduled to finish 10 years too early. If a block is placed every 10 years starting in 1993, the 120th and final block will be placed in 3183 rather than 3193.

Has a solution been proposed for the early finish?

Yes, some future options suggested are: building a second upside down pyramid on top or creating a triangle spiral pattern with the remaining blocks. However, leaving the original plan unchanged also has merit in preserving the artist's vision.

Who created the Zeitpyramide concept?

The Zeitpyramide was conceived and designed by the artist Manfred Laber, who has sadly passed away. His daughter Barbara now represents the project.

What celebrations take place with each newly placed block?

The placing of each block every 10 years is accompanied by ceremonies, speeches by local dignitaries, and musical performances relating to the theme of time.

What material are the blocks made from?

The blocks are made of reinforced concrete, which should ensure their longevity for the duration of the 1200+ year project.

Who supports the ongoing construction over future generations?

Responsibility for continuing the project lies with the town of Wemding itself, along with the established charitable trust set up following the artist's passing to oversee the Zeitpyramide.