The Nebula Installation: A Kinetic Sculpture
Summary
The Nebula is a kinetic sculpture that was installed at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. It was fabricated in San Francisco and transported to Dallas, where it took 17 days to install. The sculpture comprises a top structure connected by 445 cables to a geometrical, multi-tiered matrix that slowly swims in the atrium of the hotel.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Installation Process
- Challenges Faced during Installation
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Nebula is a kinetic sculpture that was installed at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The sculpture was fabricated in San Francisco and transported to Dallas, where it took 17 days to install. The sculpture comprises a top structure connected by 445 cables to a geometrical, multi-tiered matrix that slowly swims in the atrium of the hotel. The installation process was not without challenges, but ultimately, the sculpture came together beautifully.
The Installation Process
The Nebula sculpture was fabricated at Gizmo in San Francisco and transported to Dallas on a single truck. Marc Sabatin, the lead installer, oversaw the installation process. The first step was to unload the truck and prepare the staging area. The team encountered several challenges during the process, such as moving the semi-truck around corners, a flatbed that was too short, and short bolts that did not pass inspection. Despite these challenges, the team pushed forward and worked together to solve each issue that arose.
The sculpture was made up of four circular ring sections and several spokes, connected by flanges. The team lifted the rings off the ground and bolted them to the spokes. The sculpture weighed eight and a half tons, and it took a team effort to install it. The team had to be cautious not to disrupt the construction going on below them, as they worked in a raised platform. Despite these challenges, the team had a real drive just to see what the final product would look like.
Challenges Faced during Installation
The installation process was not without challenges. The team encountered challenges like the semi-truck not being able to cut corners, a flatbed that was too short, and bolts that did not pass inspection. The team overcame each issue by working together to find solutions. They also had to be cautious not to disrupt the construction going on below them, as they worked in a raised platform.
Another challenge was the bolts used to connect the rings, which were too short to pass inspection. This meant the team had to unbolt the entire ring and re-bolt it again, which took a day and a half of hard work. However, despite all the challenges faced during installation, the team was able to complete the installation and create a beautiful, mesmerizing sculpture in the atrium of the hotel.
Conclusion
The installation of the Nebula sculpture at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas was not without its challenges. However, through determination and teamwork, the team was able to overcome each obstacle that arose. The final product was a beautiful kinetic sculpture that adds beauty and wonder to the hotel’s atrium. The installation process was a reminder that when faced with challenges, it is essential to come together as a team and work towards a common goal. The Nebula sculpture is a testament to the power of teamwork and perseverance.
