Project Summary
MegaloTorus logo / concept art by Sierra Estrella.
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Debut
Event: Apogaea
Date: June 9-11, 2022
Physical Description
Toroid-shaped immersive art structure. Animated by 1600 digitally addressable RGB LEDs.
Philosophy
In many ancient cultures, the torus has been associated with the concept of infinity. These cultures often used the torus to symbolize the universe. Through science, we now understand that toroidal structures show up everywhere in nature - from the micro-atomic to the macro-galactic. In the study of cosmometry, it is believed that in its most balanced dynamic flow process, energy moves like a torus. From galaxies to ecosystems to the subatomic, there is a seamless exchange of energy and information (a.k.a consciousness) moving cyclically throughout the entire cosmic experience via the torus.
MegaloTorus uses light and sound to explore the dynamic flow of energy, as well as the infinite nature of the torus.
Build Process
Structure
The structure was modelled using SketchUp. Three jigs were created to precicely place the ground anchors in the correct location and at the correct angles. The spines were made from rigid schedule 40 polyvinylchloride.
MegaloTorus structure model side view; modeled by Jillian Estrella.
MegaloTorus structure model top view; modeled by Jillian Estrella.
Completed structure without the cover.
Cover (membrane)
The cover (membrane) design was modelled with CAD software. A templating and coordinate system were used to translate the designs onto six oz., 12 mil poly fabric. Twenty individual pieces were then joined together with flat felled stitching.
MegaloTorus cover (membrane) miniature model; modeled by George O'Donnell.
MegaloTorus cover (membrane) schematics; modeled by George O'Donnell.
Sewing the cover (membrane) together.
Sewing the cover (membrane) together.
Completed structure with the cover interior.
Completed structure with the cover exterior.
LEDs
MegaloTorus uses 1600 ws2811 LEDs spaced approximately 3" apart along the entire length of each of the structure's "spines". The LEDs are controlled by an AlphaPix Flex controller. The LEDs were modeled and sequenced with xLights.
MegaloTorus LED model side view; modeled by Jillian Estrella
MegaloTorus LED model top view; modeled by Jillian Estrella
MegaloTorus LED sequence example.
Interior design
The interior is designed to foster community. Featured art is hung from the ceiling and there is a confortable place for people to gather. There is also space for dancing and doing flow arts such as Poi and other activities. At night, people can relax, visit, and enjoy the art and the LED sequences. Depending on the time of night, the LEDs are sequenced to either electronic dance music or quiet and relaxing music. There is also a DJ booth for live performances. During the day, the space is used to host a variety of workshops and yoga.
Example of featured art that hangs from the ceiling.
Featured artists: Sally Dunn and Kenton Remus.
Photo gallery
MegaloTorus lit up at night exterior.
MegaloTorus lit up at night interior.
MegaloTorus lit up at night interior.
Credits
Thanks and gratitude to all the volunteers who helped create this art piece:
Jillian Estrella
Sierra Estrella
George O'Donnell
Nathan Klein
Sean Shirley
Martin Newmark
Joseph Martinez
Daniel Tenenbaum
Becca Elliott
Sean Sidelko
Presley Peach
Zach Herman
Bryan Lastrella
Preston Lancaster
Brooke Sparling
Dara Rockwell
Taylor Link
Abby Black
Lee Tal Hermon
And a special shout-out to the incredibly talented folks in the xLights Zoom and Facebook support groups!