# Piet Hein

> 20th-century Danish mathematician, inventor, designer, writer and poet (1905–1996)

**Wikidata**: [Q359592](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q359592)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet_Hein_(scientist))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/piet-hein

## Summary
Piet Hein was a 20th-century Danish polymath who excelled as a mathematician, inventor, designer, writer, and poet. Born in 1905 and passing in 1996, he is best known for his unique ability to bridge the gap between scientific rigor and artistic expression, creating works that spanned mathematics, literature, and design. His legacy includes significant contributions to geometry, the invention of the "Superellipse," and the creation of the "Grook" poetic form.

## Biography
- **Born**: 1905 (specific date and place not provided in source material)
- **Nationality**: Danish (Kingdom of Denmark)
- **Education**: Affiliated with the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark; held an honorary doctorate from Odense University.
- **Known for**: Integrating mathematics, poetry, and design; inventing the Superellipse; creating the Grook.
- **Employer(s)**: Affiliated with Yale University, University of Copenhagen, Technical University of Denmark, University of Copenhagen Niels Bohr Institute, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts.
- **Field(s)**: Mathematics, Literature, Poetry, Design, Physics, Invention.

## Contributions
Piet Hein's work resulted in concrete outcomes across multiple disciplines, blending scientific discovery with artistic creation:
- **Mathematics & Design**: He devised new geometric forms and design conventions, most notably contributing to the field of design through the creation of the "Superellipse," a shape that bridges the gap between a circle and a square.
- **Literature & Poetry**: He produced literary works characterized by strong expressiveness, specifically inventing the "Grook," a short, witty poem form that became a hallmark of his writing style.
- **Invention**: As an inventor, he devised new devices and methods, applying his mathematical knowledge to practical and aesthetic problems.
- **Scientific Research**: He conducted research in physics, contributing to the scientific community through his work at the University of Copenhagen Niels Bohr Institute.
- **Publications**: He authored various literary works and mathematical papers, utilizing written words to communicate complex ideas and produce a diverse set of literary and scientific outputs.

## FAQs
**What were Piet Hein's primary professional roles?**
Piet Hein was a multifaceted figure who worked simultaneously as a mathematician, inventor, designer, writer, and poet. He is recognized for his extensive knowledge in mathematics and his ability to produce literary works and design new objects.

**Which institutions was Piet Hein affiliated with during his career?**
His professional network included prestigious academic and artistic bodies such as Yale University, the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, and the University of Copenhagen Niels Bohr Institute. He also held affiliations with the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts.

**What awards did Piet Hein receive for his work?**
He was honored with the Danish medal "Ingenio et arti," which is awarded to prominent scientists and artists. Additionally, he received the title of "Honorary craftsman" in 1973 and was granted an honorary doctorate from Odense University.

**How did Piet Hein contribute to the fields of physics and mathematics?**
He conducted research as a physicist and applied his extensive knowledge of mathematics to create new designs and inventions. His work at the Niels Bohr Institute highlights his active role in scientific research within Denmark.

## Why They Matter
Piet Hein matters because he successfully dismantled the traditional barriers between the sciences and the arts, demonstrating that mathematical precision and poetic expression could coexist. His invention of the Superellipse revolutionized design and architecture by providing a versatile geometric form that solved practical spatial problems while maintaining aesthetic beauty. Without his unique synthesis of disciplines, the fields of design and literature would lack the specific "Grook" form and the geometric innovations that influenced modern architecture and product design. His work at major institutions like the Niels Bohr Institute and Yale University helped foster an environment where interdisciplinary research could thrive, influencing future generations of scientists and artists to explore the intersections of their fields.

## Notable For
- Being a 20th-century Danish mathematician, inventor, designer, writer, and poet (1905–1996).
- Receiving the "Ingenio et arti" medal for contributions to science and art.
- Being named an "Honorary craftsman" in 1973.
- Holding an honorary doctorate from Odense University.
- Creating the "Grook," a distinct style of poetry characterized by strong expressiveness.
- Designing the "Superellipse," a significant contribution to geometry and design.
- Conducting research at the University of Copenhagen Niels Bohr Institute.
- Maintaining affiliations with Yale University and the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts.
- Using the alias "Kumbel."
- Publishing works in the fields of mathematics, literature, and poetry.

## Body

### Early Life and Identity
Piet Hein was a human being born in 1905 in the Kingdom of Denmark. He lived until 1996, spanning the entirety of the 20th century. He is identified as a Danish national and is known by the alias "Kumbel." His life was defined by a unique combination of roles, encompassing the identities of a mathematician, inventor, designer, writer, and poet. He possessed an extensive knowledge of mathematics and utilized written words to communicate ideas and produce literary works.

### Academic and Professional Affiliations
His career was supported by strong ties to major educational and research institutions. He was affiliated with Yale University, a private university in New Haven, Connecticut, which was founded in 1701. In Denmark, he maintained connections with the University of Copenhagen, a public research university established in 1479. He also worked with the Technical University of Denmark, located in Kongens Lyngby and founded in 1829. A significant portion of his scientific research was conducted at the University of Copenhagen Niels Bohr Institute, which was established in 1921. Furthermore, his artistic contributions were recognized by the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts, a national academy founded in 1735.

### Scientific and Mathematical Contributions
As a scientist, Piet Hein engaged in research within the field of physics. His work in mathematics was extensive, contributing to the broader field of study known as mathematics. He applied this knowledge to the creation of new devices, methods, and compositions, fulfilling the role of an inventor. His mathematical insights were directly applied to the field of design, where he created plans and conventions for the construction of objects and systems. This process of creation and innovation allowed him to bridge the gap between abstract mathematical concepts and tangible design solutions.

### Literary and Artistic Achievements
In the realm of literature, Piet Hein produced a set of literary works that are part of the polysemous term referring to written art forms. He specialized in poetry, a literary style characterized by a strong expressiveness of words. His writing was not merely artistic but also communicative, using written words to convey complex ideas. He was recognized for his ability to produce literary works that stood alongside his scientific achievements, proving that a single individual could excel in both the arts and sciences.

### Recognition and Awards
Piet Hein's contributions were formally recognized through several prestigious awards. He received the "Ingenio et arti," a Danish medal established in 1841 that is awarded to prominent scientists and artists. In 1973, he was granted the title of "Honorary craftsman," a Danish honorary award. Additionally, he was honored with an honorary doctorate from Odense University in Denmark. These accolades highlight the respect he garnered from both the scientific and artistic communities in his home country and beyond.

### Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Piet Hein is defined by his ability to synthesize diverse fields into a cohesive body of work. His influence is seen in the continued use of his geometric designs and the enduring popularity of his poetic forms. By working with institutions like the Niels Bohr Institute and Yale University, he helped establish a precedent for interdisciplinary collaboration. His website, http://www.piethein.com/page/piet-hein-16/, serves as a digital archive of his life and work, preserving his contributions for future generations. Through his aliases, his awards, and his extensive sitelink count across various topics, Piet Hein remains a significant figure in the history of 20th-century Danish culture and science.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Dansk Biografisk Leksikon
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. artist list of the National Museum of Sweden. 2016
5. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/22/health/22lett-THEENDOFTHEW_LETTERS.html?ref=science)
6. [Source](https://www.piethein.com/page/piet-hein-16/)
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. Dansk Biografisk Leksikon, 3rd edition
9. [Source](http://www.hvfkbh.dk/det-gode-handvaerk/aereshandvaerkere/)
10. [Source](http://www.piethein.com/page/piet-hein-16/)
11. [Source](https://secretary.yale.edu/programs-services/honorary-degrees/since-1702)
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. CiNii Research
14. MusicBrainz
15. Piet Hein. RKDartists
16. Kunstindeks Danmark
17. SNAC
18. IMDb
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. LIBRIS. 2012
21. [Source](https://arkdes.se/arkitekter-och-arkitektkontor-i-arkdes-samlingar/)