Tobias Power - The Infinity Tree- WeWantToLearn.net

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 makes us who we are.

The Infinity Tree

6

The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015

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.

Form Finding and Exploration

The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015

7

Tobias Power - WeWantToLearn.NetTobias Power - WeWantToLearn.NetTobias Power - WeWantToLearn.Net

8

The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015

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.

9

Tobias Power - WeWantToLearn.Net

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.

10

Project Plan

The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015

March April May June July August SeptemberCritical PathThe 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.

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.

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.

Construction Drawings begins

Final Design Completed

Construction Fabrication Drawings complete and sent for lasercutting

All products ordered/purchased and vehicles/insurance/logistics in place

Main Elements collected from laser cutting

Construction completed

Disassembly

Team leaves site

Coordination begins

Critical Path

Files sent for Fabrication

Project Construction

Burning Man

Leave no Trace

11

Tobias Power - WeWantToLearn.Net

Construction Phasing

Stage 1 - 23/08/2015Erection of first tier and scaffolding in place for second

Stage 4 - 26/08/2015Final tier in place with final scaffolding in place

Stage 2 - 24/08/2015Second tier is completed and second stage of scaffolding in place

Stage 5 - 27/08/2015Surface panels and EL wire lights secured to structure.

Stage 3 - 25/08/2015Third tier completed and third stage of scaffolding in place

Stage 6 - 28/08/2015Scaffolding removed and final safety checks completed

Stage 0 = 22/08/201524 foot truck arrives on site with all prefabricated parts, scaffolding and materials necessary for assembly.

Stage 1 - 23/08/2015Erection of first tier is completed and scaffolding in place

Stage 2 - 24/08/2015Second tier is completed and second stage of scaffolding in place

Stage 3 - 25/08/2015Third tier completed and third stage of scaffolding in place

Stage 4 - 26/08/2015Final tier in place with final scaffolding in place.

Stage 5 - 27/08/2015Surface panels and EL wire lights secured to structure.

Stage 6 - 28/08/2015Scaffolding removed and final safety checks completed. The structure is now complete and ready for the festival.

12

The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015

Key Dimensions

Plan View

26 Feet

19 Feet

Front View

13

Tobias Power - WeWantToLearn.Net

Construction Detailing

Joint pieces pre-fabricated from 18mm structural grade plywood

Typical Laser cutting arrangement, 70 boards required

16mm Stainless Steel High tensile

18mm Structural Grade plywood, various lengths at a depth of 150mm

16mm Hex Nut

Isometric View Typical junction detail

16

The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015The Infinity Tree - Burning Man 2015

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 re-maining amount of the budget nec-essary to fund the project. The in-itial 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 Infin-ity 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

17

Project Plan

Tobias Power - WeWantToLearn.Net

Kickstarter campaign crowd Tea Light and Incense holder - Will be made to order.