Tobias Power - The Infinity Tree- WeWantToLearn.net
The Infinity Tree Scorched, dry, barren, the desert wilderness sits silent, still, soundless, lifeless, only the pale whispers of the delicate fauna can be heard. Whispering, softly a whisper becomes a murmur, gently a murmur becomes a sound before the faintest of echoes can be heard, it begins. At first a drop, motionless. Weeks pass, slowly, a drop becomes a trickle, trickling, creeping, a journey begins, weaving, the trickle meanders. With time it grows, a small stream flows, filling the cracks of the playa. New life left in its wake, the desert is alive once more, the sounds of joy approaching. A sapling emerges from the stream, twisting and winding it grows high above the ground, encircling itself, entwining itself. A figure of our memories, a myriad of our existence, its infinitude transcends time and like the stream to the tree we breathe life into the playa. A rest for our minds, a shelter for our bodies, a place not only to remember, a place to never forget. As our lives become more complex, diluted by materialistic culture, we find ourselves absorbed in the external forces placed upon us. It can sometimes be easy in a world of fake ideals and counterfeit culture to forget what is really real to us, what is truly important. Above the consumerist sphere exists a timeless space, our memories, our joy, our loved ones, an eternal, unbreakable, everlasting chain. The Infinity Tree is symbol of what can never be lost, what will always be found, and what
who we are.
makes us
Form Finding and Exploration A series of initial form finding exercises were undertaken using the method developed through system development. Helical points were plotted in x and y and ordered into a symmetrical arrangement under the pretence that a symmetrical arrangement would yield a more evenly distributed structure. The generated flow-line curves were projected onto their corresponding surface and then trimmed to form a tree like structure. These curves were then extruded and offset as solids. As well as digital exploration the ideas developed were also studied in the form of physical models with a range of results. By testing models physically it is possible to gain a greater understanding of the physical characteristics with a view to producing an architectural application. After experimentation with structures using curved elements it became apparent that certain curvatures would prove to difficult to construct and a system of straight elements would achieve a more structurally sound result.
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Prototype Testing
The first structural component formed a hexagonal grid with connections made using door hinges. This method allows for off site fabrication of individual units with hexagons transported to site for construction. It was evident that the system was too heavy and a more light weight alternative should be sought. The quantity of expensive high strength door hinges required made the potential scheme far too expensive.
A singular joint was system employed for a more simplistic construction method Here elements are notched to allow a for two joint sections to be applied top and bottom, both pieces are fixed together with a single bolt. This method produced an interesting result with the original lines of flow still represented in the formation of the diagrid. However the connection needed further development.
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In order to evenly distribute load an equivalence was made between elements. A new central axis was generated forming the basis of the new joint evenly transferring load between elements through a single connection bolt. Joints are safe, sturdy and can carry a large amount of load evenly throughout the structure.
The final iteration looked specifically at improving the aesthetic appearance of the connection without compromising on strength. Ergonomics were considered with units designed to be easier to touch and hold making them perfect hand and footholds for those climbing the structure.
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Project Plan Critical Path The current plan relies on each stage being completed in line with the critical path. Where possible dates will be push back to the earliest opportunity to ensure the project runs effectively and schedule. It is likely that this will evolve through project development and discussions with the Burning Man team.
March
April
May
Project Coordination and product Sourcing: The team will begin preparing quotes or various items, checking them against the initial list of quotes with alternatives selected where necessary. By the end of this stage all transport and insurance will have been arranged and all products located and acquisition arrangements made. Manufacture: Files will be sent for lasercutting at earliest opportunity to ensure that all items are ready for collection when construction begins.
Construction: Construction will begin with the collection of all fabricated parts as well as fixtures, fittings and all other items necessary to complete the build. More detailed construction phasing can be seen on the adjacent page. Burning Man: The project team will remain at the festival ensuring that the structure is regularly checked and operating safely whilst enjoying the experience that is Burning man. Deconstruction - Leave No Trace: The project team will disassemble the structure ready for the next stage of its lifestyle. Area checks will be rigorously completed to ensure that the project leaves nothing behind and the playa is left as once was.
August
September
Final Design Completed
Detailed Design: The current scheme will begin a process of refinement to ensure any possible improvements are made. Further consultation with structural engineers will begin to fine tune structural components. T shirts will be printed ready for sale and the kickstarter campaign will begin Construction and Fabrication Drawings: More detailed construction drawings will be produced including more in depth construction and deconstruction phasing drawings. Fabrication files will be prepared as early as possible with the aim to submit early for fabrication following stringent checks and discussions with fabricator.
July
June
Construction Drawings begins
Construction Fabrication Drawings complete and sent for lasercutting
Crit
ical
Pat
h All products ordered/purchased and vehicles/insurance/logistics in place
Coordination begins
Main Elements collected from laser cutting
Files sent for Fabrication
Construction completed
Project Construction
Burning Man
Leave no Trace
Disassembly
Team leaves site
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Construction Phasing Stage 0 = 22/08/2015 24 foot truck arrives on site with all prefabricated parts, scaffolding and materials necessary for assembly. Stage 1 - 23/08/2015 Erection of first tier is completed and scaffolding in place Stage 2 - 24/08/2015 Second tier is completed and second stage of scaffolding in place Stage 3 - 25/08/2015 Third tier completed and third stage of scaffolding in place
Stage 1 - 23/08/2015 Erection of first tier and scaffolding in place for second
Stage 2 - 24/08/2015 Second tier is completed and second stage of scaffolding in place
Stage 3 - 25/08/2015 Third tier completed and third stage of scaffolding in place
Stage 4 - 26/08/2015 Final tier in place with final scaffolding in place. Stage 5 - 27/08/2015 Surface panels and EL wire lights secured to structure. Stage 6 - 28/08/2015 Scaffolding removed and final safety checks completed. The structure is now complete and ready for the festival.
Stage 4 - 26/08/2015 Final tier in place with final scaffolding in place
Stage 5 - 27/08/2015 Surface panels and EL wire lights secured to structure.
Stage 6 - 28/08/2015 Scaffolding removed and final safety checks completed
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Key Dimensions
19 Feet
26 Feet
Plan View
Front View
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Construction Detailing
18mm Structural Grade plywood, various lengths at a depth of 150mm 16mm Stainless Steel High tensile
16mm Hex Nut
Joint pieces pre-fabricated from 18mm structural grade plywood Typical Laser cutting arrangement, 70 boards required
Isometric View
Typical junction detail
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Fund Raising A series of t- shirts and clothing have been deigned and prototyped to share the beauty of the Infinity tree with those who may not have the opportunity to see it at the festival. These are ready to go into production if a grant is successfully awarded costing $5 a piece and retailing at around $15. 50 will be purchased initially with an further 50 purchased after the first wave of sales generating $1000, the remaining amount of the budget necessary to fund the project. The initial payment of the t-shirts t I will make myself to demonstrate the sacrifices I will make to realize the project. A scale model of the Infinity Tree has been adapted for use as a tea light and incense holder. These currently cost around $20 to manufacture and will be made to order and sold at $50 a piece. If even just 10 of these can be sold in the run up to the festival a further $300 can be generated. These items will be sold to friends, family and around the University of Westminster campus. A kickstarter crowd-funding campaign will also be initiated and it is hopeful that the combination of crowd-funding and sales will generate more than the extra capital necessary to fund the project.
Infinity Tree fund raising t-shirt 1
Infinity Tree fund raising t-shirt 2
Infinity Tree fund raising t-shirt 3
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Project Plan
Kickstarter
campaign
crowd
Tea Light and Incense holder - Will be made to order.
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