Gabriel Lamé1795–1870
The superellipse
French mathematician whose generalised ellipse equation became the foundation of the superellipse and many smoothly squared forms.
Superellipsoid
A rounded cube softens into a sphere and pinches into a faceted jewel. Continuous contours expose the changing silhouette.
About this shape
Gabriel Lamé · Piet Hein's superegg · Alan Barr's superquadrics, 1981
An original parametric line study. Density controls the number of traces, form changes their geometry, and turn and tilt choose the projection. Motion follows a closed twenty-four-second cycle; the selected frame is preserved in saved drawings and exports.
Behind the mathematics
Piet Hein1905–1996
The superegg
Danish polymath who popularised the superellipse in design and architecture, showing how mathematics can soften the meeting of circle and rectangle.
Alan H. Barr
Superquadrics, 1981
American computer scientist who in 1981 introduced superquadrics, the rounded cubes and pinched stars of computer graphics.