The Geometry of Equilibrium

‘Remarkable homage to the amazing creativity of James Clerk Maxwell. Three portraits accompanied Einstein from Germany into Princeton: Newton, Faraday, and Maxwell. But when asked if he stood on the shoulders of Newton, he replied ‘No, on the shoulders of Maxwell’. Much has been written about Maxwell’s creativity rooted in physical analogy. This is an erudite example of consequences of Maxwell’s geometric thinking.’ Julio M. Ottino, R.R. McCormick Institute and Walter P. Murphy Professor, Engineering and Applied Science, Northwestern University and author of The Nexus: The New Convergence or Art, Technology, and Science‘Engineers are largely ignorant of Maxwell’s geometric methods applied to structural theory, and geometers are equally unaware of the application of their discipline to the design of structures. This book is an exciting attempt to remedy this and will interest engineers and mathematicians for its elegance and practical application.’ Chris J. K. Williams, Chalmers University of Technology‘This rediscovery of James Clerk Maxwell by renowned expert opens a world of graphic statics, shell design and lightweight building for structural engineers. Maxwell’s achievements turn out to be very modern because they help minimise the use of resources and, therefore, can lead to truly sustainable structures. What makes this book special is that the original papers of Maxwell are included and made readable through detailed explanations. A great effort by the authors for the benefit of the reader.’ Mike Schlaich, Technische Universität Berlin

William F. Baker is Consulting Partner at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. He was the Structural Engineer for the world’s tallest man-made structure (the Burj Khalifa in Dubai). He has received awards including the ASCE Outstanding Projects and Leaders Lifetime Award for Design and the Gold Medal of the Institution of Structural Engineers. He holds honorary doctorates from University of Stuttgart, Heriot-Watt University, Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Missouri.

Allan McRobie is Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Cambridge. He previously authored ‘The Seduction of Curves’ (2017) on the mathematics of curved geometry.