Fun Stuff

The World’s Tallest (Temporary) Wooden Structure


From TempleOfTransition

A very unusual event is taking place from Aug 29 – Sept 5, 2011 in Nevada. According to Wikipedia, “Burning Man is a week-long annual event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, in the United States. The event starts on the Monday before, and ends on the day of the American Labor Day holiday. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy on Saturday evening. The event is described by many participants as an experiment in community, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance.”

If you are attending (it’s not free, unfortunately is already sold out, and don’t forget a face mask because of sand/dust) and take pictures, be aware that it does have some photography restrictions.

Q. What is the policy on taking pictures?

A. Film and video cameras are forbidden without permission. All video cameras must be registered and tagged. This is to protect the privacy of participants and artists alike. Use Agreement forms for personal video cameras will be available upon arrival at the Gate, the Greeter’s Station or Playa Info. If you are considering filming or videotaping for professional purposes, you must have a commercial agreement on file with the Media Team prior to your arrival onsite. Commercial use of images taken at Burning Man without permission is subject to cunning legal action and punishable by death. This includes amateurs and professionals who capture images. Click here for further information.

I am sure they are joking about the punishment, or are they?

PRESS RELEASE

The International Arts Megacrew Builds Tallest Temporary Wooden Structure in the World

The International Arts Megacrew, a team of installation artists from around the globe are building the tallest, temporary, wooden structure in the world. Reaching 120 feet, the Temple of Transition will be the tallest, foundationless, wooden structure ever built and the largest art installation ever assembled at the Burning Man arts festival.

Reno, NV (PRWEB) July 26, 2011

The International Arts Megacrew is currently constructing what is believed to be the tallest, temporary, wooden structure in the world. Named the Temple of Transition, it will take the form of a 120-foot tiered, hexagonal central tower, surrounded by five 58-foot tiered, hexagonal towers.

The Temple of Transition will exist between August 29 and September 4, 2011, during which time over 50,000 people are expected to visit the structure over its one-week life span. It will be burned down at the culmination of the Burning Man festival held each year in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. The Temple of Transition is the tallest installation art structure ever erected at Burning Man, a festival known for large artwork.

“We expect this art installation to be the tallest stick-frame wooden structure in the world upon completion,” said Chris “Kiwi” Hankins, co-leader of the Temple of Transition project. “There may be wooden structures of similar heights in the world, but they are built on foundations and meant to be permanent.”

The building is currently being modularly constructed in Reno, Nevada and will be transported by truck over 120 miles to the Black Rock Desert where it will be assembled. The modular pieces, at 80 percent complete, have utilized 49,360 lineal feet of Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified lumber and 1,700 sheets of plywood (54,400 square feet).

The Temple of Transition is a centerpiece of the Burning Man festival, one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the world. In addition to the burning of the Man, the burning of the Temple has become a central activity at the event.

“The Temple of Transition is more than just installation art; it is the emotional center of Burning Man. It is a place where event participants can mourn the passing of loved ones, seal unions or marriages and express themselves spiritually,” said Diarmaid “Irish” Horkan, project co-leader.

For more information visit temple2011.org or find the Temple 2011 project on Facebook.

The Temple of Transition is made possible by generous donations from individual sponsors, the Burning Man organization, the City of Reno and as part of Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland’s year of Irish arts in America.

About International Arts Megacrew:
Established in 2009, the International Arts Megacrew (IAM) is a globally based group of artists, artisans, fabricators, industrial designers and project managers with a vision for producing large-scale art projects. With over 50 core members from 12 counties, IAM members have created installation art for festivals and events worldwide. The crew was founded and is lead by Diarmaid Horkan of Dublin, Ireland, Chris Hankins of Auckland, New Zealand and Ian Beaverstock from Darlington, England.