As Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival opens its doors, attendees are in for more than just musical performances. Amidst the excitement, the spotlight shines on an architectural-art installation that dominates the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio, California. "Monarchs: A House in Six Parts," designed by Leslie Lok and Sasa Zivkovic of HANNAH, stands tall at 72 feet, captivating festival-goers with its towering presence.
The Grand Design
Comprising six towers arranged in a circle, "Monarchs" is a fusion of architectural ingenuity and artistic expression. Each tower boasts a 3D-printed concrete base supporting a robotically fabricated plywood crown. This architectural marvel, reminiscent of Stonehenge, redefines space and form within the festival grounds.
Pushing Boundaries
Lok and Zivkovic, associate professors at Cornell University, bridge their theory and research experiments with the design practice in order to exceed the current possibilities of architecture. The team has constructed diverse structures in the past that include 3D printed homes and wood cabins made out of salvaged wood. The work they do reveals their care for the environment and the embracing of vibrant construction methods.
From Concept to Reality
For me there was a fine line between the coming up with the idea for the thing and actually making it, which was a long and detailed process. Lok and Zivkovic decided to work on the project that would be a new manifestation of site-specific installation adding a dimension of time to art. Part of this project was finding the materials, specifically 3D-printed concrete and plywood. Not only did the modular design bring in the properties of internal strength, but it also made transportation and installation easier.
"Monarchs" remains an interlude of a technical innovation and a creative expression as it relates with Lok and Zivkovic, the bringing into being of this vision. The installation which is interactive and spatial brings along act of introspection thereby reminds festival-goers about the role of architecture in relation to the creation of space, beauty and atmospheric perception.
A House in Six Parts
Enhancing its passing presence at the "Coachella" art exhibition, the logo is destined to live long after the temporary show as a functioning structure. The artists thrill that their temporary installation may get a second chance at life: it may be revamped into a house either for the festival site or for elsewhere. This novel and genuine attempt applies here their sustainable design and long-term use at the forefront.
Crafting Experience
The design process was not confined to the studio; Lok and Zivkovic immersed themselves in the festival's atmosphere to glean inspiration from the landscape and the vibrant energy of Coachella Valley. The resulting installation not only provides shelter and shade but also serves as a landmark within the festival's expansive landscape.
Design Through Making
Central to the project's success was the iterative process of design through making. Lok, Zivkovic, and their team meticulously crafted prototypes, testing structural integrity and assembly methods to achieve a harmonious balance between form and function. This hands-on approach epitomizes their commitment to creative and technical refinement.
As the festival unfolds, "Monarchs" takes its rightful place as a testament to the transformative power of architecture and art. From its towering presence to its immersive spatial experience, the installation leaves an indelible mark on Coachella's cultural landscape. For Lok and Zivkovic, witnessing the fruition of their labor amidst the festival's vibrant atmosphere is a rewarding culmination of their creative journey.