The Michael Beitz Folding House Temporarily Teeters
Gil Cohen — September 27, 2012 — Art & Design
References: michaelbeitz & dontpaniconline
As a temporary mobile structure, the Michael Beitz Folding House project takes up the spaces in between abandoned buildings in New Mexico and Buffalo. Leaning from side to side, almost threatening to topple over, the structure is powered by a participant who pedals a gear located within the building, which then triggers the slow motion "collapse" of the house.
Not a fully built home, the structure is only the skeleton of a house made out of recycled and re-purposed materials including wood, bicycle pedals and counter weights. The swaying motion causes the construction to bump into the abandoned buildings next to it, causing an interaction with its environment.
The Michael Beitz Folding House project makes a point of noticing the doomed and discarded structures within cities.
Not a fully built home, the structure is only the skeleton of a house made out of recycled and re-purposed materials including wood, bicycle pedals and counter weights. The swaying motion causes the construction to bump into the abandoned buildings next to it, causing an interaction with its environment.
The Michael Beitz Folding House project makes a point of noticing the doomed and discarded structures within cities.
Trend Themes
1. Kinetic Architecture - The trend of interactive collapsing structures like the Michael Beitz Folding House presents opportunities for the development of kinetic architecture that engages with its environment.
2. Sustainable Design - The use of recycled and re-purposed materials in projects like the Folding House highlights the potential for sustainable design practices in the construction industry.
3. Participatory Art - The incorporation of participant involvement in the operation of the Folding House project reflects a growing trend of participatory art installations that invite audience engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The architectural industry can explore and embrace kinetic designs and interactive collapsing structures as part of their innovative projects.
2. Construction - The construction industry can tap into the trend of sustainable design by incorporating more recycled and re-purposed materials in their building projects.
3. Art - The art industry can leverage the concept of participatory art to create impactful installations that encourage audience interaction and engagement.
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