Beer Hive Realizing the art of recycling! The Beer Hive is more than a trash receptacle for bottles – it is an interactive sculpture that gives off atmospheric light and has a unique identity. Although the Beer Hive is of modernistic design, the vertical, octagonal form references its surroundings – the traditional architecture of the columns in San Lorenzo Plaza and the domes of the Basilica. As important, the octagon is inspired by the natural structure of beehive honeycombs which connect the concepts of participation by individuals and involvement of the community at large. Realizing the potential of recycling! Designed for functionality, the Beer Hive’s eight sides allow for maximum collection capacity and storage of bottles for recycling. The column respects the urban context by limiting the size of the Hive’s footprint. Its flat sided geometry enables modular flexibility and potential in organization and orientation depending on the event and demand. Reflecting the principals of environmental sustainability, the Hive is constructed of recycled, reclaimed materials. Realizing the Beer Hive! As a glass bottle is plugged into the honeycomb shell and through the latex skin underneath, the glass is lit from within by a core column of LED light. These lights are battery powered from energy captured by photovoltaic panels at the top of each Hive. As additional bottles are inserted, the Beer Hive is activated and transformed into a glowing testimony for collective effort. When bottles fill all the 672 honeycomb units, more bottles may be added by pushing the original bottles into the center compartment. The Beer Hive is designed for easy maintenance and routine care including collection, washing and relocating. The Hive is emptied by opening the exit door, which allows the bottles to slide out the slanted floor into a receptacle to be recycled. The Hive’s base is filled with water for security and stability while allowing for easy drainage and subsequent mobility. Realizing the possibility of place! San Lorenzo Plaza is an established place for everyone at every time. Throughout its history, the plaza has been a destination for daily and special events, welcoming people of all ages and interests. The Beer Hive adds a new element to this dynamic character, linking the past and present with new interest and identity – creating public art out of trash collection and recycling.
Context & Inspiration
MODULAR FORM
Random units
Linear organization
Curvilinear organization
PIECES OF THE PUZZLE 42 cm 23 cm
1cm 15 cm
110 cm
Water tank
Slanted floor
Solar powered LED light core
STORY OF A BOTTLE
Gathering at night : 9 PM
Plugging in : 9.30 PM
Light effect : 9.35 PM
Latex skin
San Lorenzo Plaza
: 10.30 PM
160 cm 39.5 cm 22.5.cm
251.5 cm
12.5 cm
29.5 cm
6.5 cm
Structural honeycomb corners
The next day : 6 AM
A complete Hive
Collecting bottles for recycling : 6.30 AM
Honeycomb section
Recycling = public art : 6.45 AM