Are There Connections Between the Mathematical Thought and Architecture of Sir Christopher Wren?

Abstract

The massive reconstruction effort after the Great London Fire of 1666 was led by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke, both of whom were founding members of the Royal Society, and, until the Great Fire, both were best known for their work in mathematics, physics and astronomy. Wren has been credited with designing St. Paul’s Cathedral as well as more than 50 parish churches that were built as part of the post-fire restoration of the City of London. Current scholarship indicates that the parish churches were most likely designed by Wren, Hooke and others that worked in their office. However, based on Hooke’s diaries and some parish vestry minutes, it is possible to link certain specific church designs with Wren or Hooke. Using the church architecture of Wren and Hooke as illustrations, this paper discusses the evidence for and against the notion that Wren’s mathematical and scientific knowledge directly influenced his architectural designs.

First published as: Maria Zack , “Are There Connections Between the Mathematical Thought and Architecture of Sir Christopher Wren ?”, pp. 171–180 in Nexus VI: Architecture and Mathematics, Sylvie Duvernoy and Orietta Pedemonte, eds. Turin: Kim Williams Books, 2006.