Proposal Narrative Mark Steck + Elvira Solana

Transcription

1 Proposal Narrative Mark Steck + Elvira Solana

2 Out Of The ETHER O R R

3 Description A compound is formed when you have two or more elements combined tied together by chemical bonds. The basic structure of ether can be seen as RoR. Just as in nature, the RoRinstallation gives the appearance of an unstable element, as something that is floating in the ether, but it s the tensile strength of the compound that holds the entire thing together by binding it to itself with beautiful simplicity. RoR is a structure that is self-sustaining. Just as in nature, from a distance you cannot see the bonds that hold forms together until you measure it closely enough. O R R O C C Here is an illustration of the basic chemical compound that represents RoR, or ether. On the bottom the letter R represents any organic material. The O represents oxygen. This can also be seen in the RoR structure, where the base is resting on the organic element of the earth, and the top rises into open air, creating an atmosphere within that can be explored. H H H H H - C - C - O - C - C - H H H H H

4 Buckminster Fuller came up with the word Tensegrity. He described this term as islands of compression in an ocean of tension. This is basically any structure that uses tension strength to hold itself up. This is the pattern you find everywhere in the natural elements. Fuller went on to say that All structures, properly understood, from the solar system to the atom, are tensegrity structures. The universe is omnitensional integrity. RoR is a tensegrity structure made from basic struts and rope that are interconnected to form a spherical, atomic shape that can bend and move as you interact with the piece. It will be tall enough to go inside, where there will be a swing mounted from the top of the sphere. When you sit on this swing, the entire structure will flex with your weight, and the spherical design and tension strength will hold it all together. From outside it will appear as if the element is breathing and bowing in multiple directions as the weight shifts. There will also be a smaller, identical RoR sphere that is approximately three feet tall. This one will not be fastened so that you can walk up to it, push it inward and feel it flex, roll it around, have fun with it.

5 Construction Plan Installation on site is necessary. The materials will be sourced and delivered by the artists to the location. Before arrival all dimensions will be cut and holes drilled, material painted and prepared, so there will be no need for tools on-site and there will be no mess or noise created in the construction. Once the materials have been prepared beforehand and all the dimensions worked out, the on-site installation will be very simple and straightforward. It will require only one day for the final setup. One or two volunteers will be needed to help hold the struts in place as the ropes are fastened. Every strut will be completely secured by multiple ropes. All connection points will be fastened securely so there is no way for it to come apart. The structure will also be secured to the ground so that it cannot move. Below is a video of someone assembling a very small and basic tensegrity structure. This will give an idea of the construction and show at the end how it can flex with pressure. It will resemble this structure on a much larger scale.

6 Materials This will be composed entirely of two elements. The wood struts will provide the rigid structure, and the ropes will provide the tension between the struts. There will be tension in every direction, so that each strut is holding up every other by counter balance. This keeps with the simplicity of design found in nature by creating a compound with as little as two elements. The struts will be painted in bright colors such as red and blue to resemble a chemical compound diagram. Location The location is very flexible. If used as an outdoor installation it can be virtually anywhere. But it can also be brought indoors, provided there is enough floor space and height. It would require a large room or lobby, but could benefit from the lighting opportunities indoors. The scale can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the size of the struts, making the piece larger or smaller to fit the given space. When the site is designated then the final dimensions will be made specifically for that site. Longevity This piece can be easily deconstructed and reconstructed for future use. A detailed guide can be included and stored along with the materials, including instructions on how to reassemble that will be simple and easy to follow. Each strut will be numbered and the exact dimension of rope cut and numbered to recreate the piece year after year.