CROWN

Crown is a kinetic robotic sculpture of four looming three-jointed towers arranged in a square.
Hydraulic actuators control the movement of the joints to move the tower segments inward and outward in hypnotic waves.
The towers are covered with laser-cut wood filigree over diffusion plastic and lit from within by thousands of LEDs.

CROWN creates a space for shared experience with its gigantic scale, riotous light show, and impressive kinetic motion. My mission with this robotic piece is mass hypnosis, wonder, and delight.

CROWN at Burning Man 2018. Video by Kimberly Sikora

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

A colossal robotic sculpture, four prismatic towers stand in a ring and move inwards and outwards via hydraulic mechanisms. Each tower is 30ft tall, of 3 vertical segments, each individually controlled for a total 40 degrees of movement each tower. The structural steel armature is covered with geometric laser-cut wooden panels in a tapered petal shape over diffusion plastic and thousands of LEDs. Lighting effects move around the base wall, within and between towers, and coordinate with the movement of the towers to make a massive moving canvas. Spotlights at the tip of each tower translate the movements into the sky for all to see from afar. A square base, 6ft tall, made of precision-cut mild steel in a distinct pattern, is illuminated with the same controls as the towers. Participants can control the lighting of the sculpture with a fun and easy keypad control.

CROWN at Burning Man 2018. Video by Kimberly Sikora