Client: The National Building Museum

Overview

WHAT IT WAS
In collaboration with Studio Gang Architects, Hive is an installation at the National Building Museum that invites visitors to explore their senses in a series of dome-shaped chambers, each scaled to reflect a unique sound signature.

Goals

WHAT WE DID
Hive is built entirely of wound paper tubes stacked and interlocked to create three interconnected domed chambers. Within the chambers, visitors explore how a structure can modify and reflect sound. Our team created a 3D model and performed daylight studies to determine how the lighting needs would change throughout the three-month duration of the exhibit. As a result, we designed a custom light fixture from a shipping tube with sockets inside to hold a ketra LED bulb, which can adjust intensity, color, and is entirely wireless. These were installed inside other tubes to make the fixture blend perfectly.

Process

WHY IT WORKED
Our creative solution to lighting Hive resulted in a unique sensory journey – visually and audibly - for visitors to the Museum. The installation, activities, and instruments activated the space and brought people together to engage in this dynamic sonic environment.