Burning Man 2009 - Tower Babel

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Burning Man 2009 - Tower Babel

YEAR

2009

The tower is engineered to withstand structurally in
difficult condition. Hexagon geometry was introduced to improve stability from wind
forces and horizontal movement. The shape makes efficient use of space and
building materials, similar to the cells of a beehive honeycomb. Strategically,
by juxtaposing each level, vertical and horizontal loads can be evenly
distributed. The tension rods act in favor to its tensile strength to further
secure the structure.

Shipping pallet is readily available yet is built with
the most efficiency. It is tough and able to withstand great deal of
compression while light enough to be transported by one person. 2X4 fill-in wood
blocks strengthen the pallets while providing more area for connection.

The nature of the tower performs like an air chamber
encouraging vertical ventilation throughout as cross ventilation run through the
adjacent window openings. Modular geometry of each pallet creates opportunity for
stepping. The tower functions as a single entity while each floor or each unit is
divided and differentiated by windows constructed with various recycled
materials.

Slitter of sunlight scans along as one climbs up the structure
until one reaches to the deck level and experience the majestic view of the
Black Rock Desert, more than 30 feet above ground. At night, the tower turns
into a lounge dramatized by illuminating red lights and glowing stars.

The tower is constructed on the premise of necessity, the need to experiment. It is an exploration set out to challenge the general conception. Constructability continues to be the undismissible factor throughout the process. It is our intention to reveal the temporality of structure and acceptance of time as countdown to inevitable demise. The design of its destruction is just as important as its creation.