bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion 
all images courtesy of aiko nakano

 

 

 

 ‘bloom’ is a public art installation by aiko nakano, ling-li tseng, wendy engler, and fernando rodriguez that transforms from a seemingly rigid form into a semi-private space within the public environment. motivated by the desire to create a playful object for children and adults alike, the interactive piece is based on chuck hoberman’s wheel. the form follows a simple geometric relationship between links and joints; as long as joints remain equidistant to one another horizontally the links have freedom of motion.

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
demonstration of ‘bloom’s’ transformation

 

 

 

the pavilion blooms like a budding tulip and can be operated by a single visitor. smooth rotation is achieved by the hollow, lightweight construction of links, supported with solid top and bottom platforms and robust joint assemblies. the wooden structure’s organic shape resonates within the natural foliage and environment at the site. laced awnings provide visual privacy and create an exclusive hideaway where friends and family alike can share moments together. the team would like to thank chuck hoberman, john ochsendorf, and nathan king for their support, as well as the staff and volunteers of the harvard yard art festival.

 

video courtesy of ling-li tseng

 

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
a couple share a moment 

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
kids interacting with the pavilion 

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
‘bloom’ resembles a merry-go-round and turns the site into a playground for people passing by

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
mechanism diagram for the three states 

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
study model of the hoberman wheel

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
rotation sequence

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
plywood sheets were CNC milled and then constructed into hollow linkages

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
all components before assembly

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
the structural concept does not require extra braces and emphasizes the vertical continuity of links

bloom buds like a tulip to create semi-private pavilion
‘bloom’ is both a sculpture and pavilion

 

video courtesy of aiko nakano

 

 

 

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