Structurally, the geodesic dome is (one of) the most efficient structures- a structure supported by only its skin. The building of a Geodesic Dome began as an exercise, the goals were to 1: build a ten foot diameter geodesic sphere, the completed, self contained example of the full structure. 2: To construct the form most cost-effectively: from pvc conduit, needing to serve only the purpose of supporting its own weight. 3: To complete the form in less than ten hours, containing an average of more than 52 cubic feet per man hour.

Iron slag machined and sharpened to a lathe tool by unknown means

steel, cast plastic, cast aluminum, pvc, paint, hardware, OSB, pine



cast Iron, steel, steel hardware- item as seen pre-industrial mishap. -missing

expansion module

0:00-2:27 constellation 2
2:27-5:00 constellation 3

steel, cast iron, plaster, plastic, paint

expanse of black plastic, light, water
120 x 144

tent, laser, arduino, servo motors, computer

vacuform plastic, stainless steel, steel, aluminum, copper, brass, rubber, electricity, water, fire


Oxy-hydrogen (HHO) generator creating a flame from water.

72" x 96"
concrete

Among Bars 1 and 2
72" x 84"

A Boastful Attempt: Monumental Architecture
plastic, paint, tape, blower, electric timer switch

River Proposal, 2011
steel, 6mil plastic

To be installed June 2011 as apart of New Trails
more information


Innitially upon researching and hiking in the wissahickon valley, I was most interested in the Wissahickon River's industrial history and the conflicting natural preservation efforts. This project has become more about the current efforts to preserve the natural landscape surrounding the remnants of industry that used to live off of the river in the 18th and 19th centuries. This project has been greatly impacted by these conservational efforts- being the factor for material choice, construction, and eventually inhibiting the projects resolution. The plastic Grecianesque temple was a project to float on the Wissahickon for three months as a way to acknowledge the power of the river; the sculpture is a symbol of its past industrial culture now in ruin. The construction of the sculpture is purely functional, at some points disregarding aesthetics, only to support the architectural symbol and the vision of floating it on the Wissahickon.


February 22, 2011
The project began with the same form- but as a black plastic, inflatable sculpture. The proposed sculpture would be inflated and powered by a waterwheel in the river:

The symbol of architecture that I am using served as the focal point of a city, representing a culture and showcasing the pinnacle of technological developments in their construction. This fallen temple acts as a remnant of an industrial past, celebrating the river's power. I am putting the river to use again, re-introducing the waterwheel to inflate and maintain the monument. The floating of the sculpture and integration of the river seemed necessary. The Wissahickon embodies a mechanical potential, having previously supported the industrial growth of a culture; Its currently serene state begged for a return of its inherent industrial power. The river powers a waterwheel, generating the air to inflate and maintain the floating structure.








April 6, 2011
Because of environmental concerns, the temple is re-built from translucent plastic as to least impact the habitat of the riverbed. It is no longer inflatable, now floatable and held in shape by a steel armature. The project has become less about the romantic action of repurposing the industrial power for the sake of an artwork, It has now become a struggle of functionality and working around natural and conservational restrictions.

May 15, 2011
Furthur Environmental concerns and regulations prevent the floating of the piece on the Wissahickon.
Its fate is now as an indoor Gallery piece or as an outdoor installation- The piece, unable to rest on the historical and industrial force, can now only be supported by an artistic institution.