Lunar Garden is a site design for the Farallon Islands in the Bay area. This project was centered on exploring the relationships between the island storms with other natural phenomena. The accessibility of the temporal space is directly related to the changing water levels and thus is a different experience depending on when one visits it. The main features of this project are the reflection pools filled by the tides and the pathways constructed with local materials to create a seamless non-intrusive design.
Hand-drawn sketches
Rhino model
Paper Mache model
Interactive creative study
Laser Cut Projector
Andre Zendejas
Island in a box is an interactive model of our site, the Farallon Islands, based on our subject, storms. The goal of the box was to use sculpture as a form of storytelling that examined our site from the perspective of an island researcher lost at sea. Included in the model are topographic maps, site sketches, weather patterns and more presented in imaginative ways.
Our initial investigation into the relationship between elements of island storms with other natural phenomena led us to examine the moon’s influence on the island. Our design is a modern conception of a ‘lunar observatory’, a space where the moon, rain, and tides of the ocean can be experienced in tandem.
Our sites accessibility is contingent upon the natural phenomena observed throughout our project design such as lunar cycles, diurnal weather conditions, and major storm seasons. This creates a dynamic experience that evolves over time. For instance, during high tide the lowest points of the path may become submerged, while low tide offers full access.
As the water recedes, reflection pools situated along the winding paths will collect ocean water allowing the viewers to see themselves in relation to the site and sky. At night, the shimmering surface will reflect the moon and the stars enhancing ones sense of connection to celestial expanse.
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The branching paths are meant to inspire exploration, allowing visitors to wander the landscape without a fixed destination. As one meanders near the water they may find themselves passing through stone archways, that if timed right, frame the moon in the sky. Our site would be constructed with locally sourced materials such as salt and pepper or pink granitic rock which are found throughout the greater Farallones region.
As landscape designers our intention was to create a non-invasive design that draws attention to the landscape rather then detract from it. The site materials were chosen to blend seamlessly with the landscape, encouraging visitors to experience this peripheral feature of the island primarily ‘as is.’
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Celestial Vision is a hand made projector created from an upcycled film rewind crank as well as laser cut components. Images of the islands natural environment as well as the position of stars during different seasons were printed on acetate sheets in order to create an immersive experience for our site.
