THE SINGULARITY

Image 1Primary shot to be featured on

Urban Confluence Silicon Valley Website

Image 2Secondary shot of the proposed design

STRUCTURE

DIMENSIONS

Height: 230 feet

Length: 230 feet

Width: 180 feet

An ode the advancement of civilization. The sphere is an allusion to three moments in time that mark a profound change provoked by technology. It represents the singularity: the moment in time where the growth of scientific and technical knowledge will happen so rapidly that humanity will be forever changed, it is also a reference to a dyson sphere, but also represents the connection created in the planet Earth by the creation of the internet.

The impressiveness of a gigantic kinetic sculpture floating 20 feet above people’s heads can generate a flow of tourists to see the monument. Together with the connection it has with the themes of innovation and technology this will easily transform it into an icon not only of innovation, but of Silicon Valley itself.

The ring uses a lightweight metal skeleton for its structure and photovoltaic glass for cladding, generating, possibly, all of the energy it consumes.

Under the monument the earth goes up to give space to the entrance hall. The plaza continues above this space, the only disturbance caused to the park is where the ring touches the ground. Inside, elevators go around the ring taking passengers to a platform of almost 250 feet in height where they can enjoy magnificent views of their surroundings.

The globe is the star of the show. It is a geodesic sphere formed of dozens of metal articulations that can change its shape according to a program that can be updated periodically. The sphere has very dim lights that make it more visible and can vary in color creating different artworks, but most of the illumination is projected from the ring onto the sphere. This kinetic lighting together with the sphere’s movement creates the possibility of different performances and configurations.

Although very high, the halo shape has a small section which reduces the possibility of birds colliding with the structure. The sphere is also made of very thin parts that leave most of its volume empty and traversable for birds, no lights are project outward, most of the illumination is kinetic and can also change colors, there isn’t big transparent glass panes and the ring and sphere are illuminated at night, all of those measures minimize the risk for bird collision and the effect over the riparian wildlife in its surrounding.