I am presently reading Neal Stephenson, Anathem.  In the first chapter, the author describes a remarkable building and clock with a compound of intellectuals.  The building that houses the clock is called the Mynster and is decribed thus: At many concents (large communites of avouts) the large centrally located building that houses the clock and thus serves as the venue for auts and other gatherings of the entire population.  The description is like no other I've read, and I've read my share of Science Fiction and Fantasy.  For those with imagination mixed with mathematics/geometry, read Anathem and see if you can illustrate various views of the Mynster and clock (unique geometrically-shaped counter weights broken into days, years, decades, etc.).  Stay in touch with me if you decide to tackle the challenge - a large bite of creativity to keep you busy for quite some time.

Bill