New SUB Sustainability Art: Timber

Our goal is to develop a sustainability-themed, interactive art piece, a breaking tree, that will be located in the new Student Union Building. The piece will be thought provoking, and it will raise awareness of sustainability.The project is envisioned to educate students of their impact on the environment and the fragility of nature in particular. The tree is planned to be constructed out of recycled material, thereby contributing in maintaining the chain of recycling.

Design and building of the centerpiece and prototypes will be done primarily by students, increasing the engagement of every student that participates. We hope that the interactivity of the project will inspire students to spearhead similar projects. Education and Outreach: Not only will the project serve as a learning tool for students building the tree, but the tree itself will hopefully serve to educate the public as to uses of recycled material and serve as a reminder of nature’s fragility. The kinetic sculpture that this prototype is modelling is envisioned to be a semi-permanent piece with minimum maintenance. The design is flexible, and the desired outcome can be achieved in a number of ways. The kinetic sculpture that this prototype is modelling is envisioned to be a landmark, standing at the middle of the new Student Union Building. The user interaction is meant to provide a certain community aspect, similar to the “Echo Circle.”

Note: This project is one of five sustainability art prototype projects. Each group will submit a prototype for consideration by the New SUB Sustainability Working Group and New SUB Project Committee, and a group will be commissioned to create a scaled-up project for the New SUB Atrium .

Funding awarded: $1,881

Projected started: February 2012

Project Updates