The Pelecaniformes
A Mixed Reality Build.
This project is a beautiful illustration of complexity that becomes possible with the combination of a digital model + skilled steelwork and craft.
Pelecaniformes evokes the individual to view their surroundings through a collective lens that continually reforms and shifts. Standing strong and at a proud 10m tall, the geometrical lines blended with the powerful organic curves of the bird’s wings, draws reference to symbiotic relationship between the natural and human-made worlds.
We observe this argument that divides: nature vs man-made, organic vs abstract, human vs robotic, and real vs virtual. But within the blurred lines of the non-binary, we find new worlds within worlds and new possibilities for the way in which we can inhabit them
Material / Construction
The Pelican was produced in marine grade stainless steel tube to withstand the elements. The tube was laser cut and etched with a numbering system for construction.
The tubes were welded/ assembled with augmented reality goggles being worn to ensure the piece remained true to the computer model and structural load paths. This enabled us a higher level of complexity in creating seemingly natural forms.
The techniques and structure could easily be scaled up to larger pieces: The pelican was modelled in Rhino and Grasshopper, and sequences of nodes and struts were streamed to the HoloLens to use as guides for fabrication using Fologram.
The pelican was designed and built in 3 sections with the wings being able to unbolt for transport. The feet key into a structural base that can be fastened to an existing concrete slab with concrete fasteners.
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Shot and edited by Richard Kickbush