To the Nth Degree

To the Nth Degree

A Degree is a unit of arc, it is the “degree” of the angle between the two radius that cut that arc. What is less obvious is that 360 is a very unusual number; it is divisible by a great many important numbers, and is the “natur-al” division of the angular environment. 360 is divisible by 24 factors in 12 sets, it is hard to imagine Geometry without them!

The ASCII Sphere, furnished with a deck on the equatorial plane is the ideal performance environment, the “Holodeck”; a round table or stage with surrounding “simulated” backgrounds,where performances both virtual and actual may take place. It is the updated version of the Minoan or Grecian ampitheatre, except it is now a “standardized” reference structure loaded with generic props and costumes and fractal sets and landscapes.

The polar and equatorial orientation of this space is the optimal reference structure for both rotational and arcing movements, and its internal shape (as a half dome) approaches the acoustic optimum, as an actual performance architecture.

Each performer, virtual or real, is also inside a “personal sphere” that is circumscribed by the fully extended movements of their arms and legs and which is in continuous axial orientation with each performer. (e.g. back-north, front-south, left-east, right-west)

When we analyze the actions of forms we see that the vast majority consist of arcing and rotational movements. Furthermore, we see that these movements are of a generic characteristic which matches the various generic groups of forms which make these particular movements.

The Babylonians knew that the radius of a circle divides the circumference of that circle into 6 equal parts, they knew that the earth moved thru that arc in approximately 60 days, they used a 60 numerical system. 1/60 equaled one degree, 1/60/60 equaled one minute, and 1/60/60/60 equaled one second!

It’s all about Geometry.

Roman Colosseum Winfield Parks National Geographic Jan. 2000

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