The Nebula: A Kinetic Sculpture at Hilton Anatole

Summary

In this article, we will discuss the installation of the Nebula, a kinetic sculpture that will be installed at the Hilton Anatole. The article will cover the challenges faced during the installation process and the structure of the sculpture.

Background of the Nebula
Installation Process
Challenges Faced
Structure of the Sculpture
Conclusion

Background of the Nebula

The Nebula is a kinetic sculpture that will be installed at the Hilton Anatole. It consists of a top structure and a motor that pulls 445 cables down to a multi-tiered matrix that floats in the hotel’s atrium. The sculpture is being fabricated in San Francisco and will be transported to Dallas on one truck.

Installation Process

The installation process of the Nebula is expected to take 17 days. The team faced several challenges during the installation, including moving the trailer loaded with 12,000 pounds of armor and building a raised platform that ended up being 2 feet short. The installation was also hampered by the noise, dust, and limited access to the site due to ongoing construction.

Challenges Faced

The installation team faced many challenges during the installation of the Nebula. One of the challenges was moving the trailer loaded with 12,000 pounds of armor. The team had to use a forklift to move the trailer, which was a difficult task due to the weight of the armor.

Another challenge faced by the team was building a raised platform that ended up being 2 feet short. The team had to improvise and build a new platform to ensure that the sculpture was installed properly.

The installation was also hampered by the noise, dust, and limited access to the site due to ongoing construction. The team had to work around these challenges to ensure that the installation was successful.

Structure of the Sculpture

The structure of the Nebula is made up of simple named parts, including the ring and truss. The speaker describes a ring made up of circular rolled tubing with flanges that connect four sections and spokes to a middle hub. The ring sits above a lower I-beam and will be bolted at four points. However, the bolts are too short to pass inspection and need to be replaced.

Conclusion

The installation of the Nebula was a challenging process, but the team was able to overcome the obstacles and install the sculpture successfully. The structure of the sculpture is made up of simple named parts, including the ring and truss. The Nebula is a beautiful addition to the Hilton Anatole and is sure to impress guests for years to come.