Project Overview: Shadowlamp Sactuary
Shadowlamp Sanctuary is a proposed interactive lighting system to enrich the 2024 Burning Man experience. Shadowlamps, strategically placed within a pentagonal floorplan, cast mesmerizing patterns derived from the interlocking shapes of Islamic girih, or “strapwork”, tiles. The geometric shadows are not static; they can be spun by participants and the wind, manipulating the interplay of light and shadow to create a constantly shifting visual tapestry. The immersive structure is centered around a 22-foot tall curved polyhedra featuring intricate, fractal, patterns. Shadowlamp Sanctuary creates a visually stunning and spiritually resonant space that beckons participants to explore the interplay of light, shadow, and form.
This immersive environment serves a dual purpose as a communal gathering space and contemplative sanctuary. The exterior of the temple creates a large shaded area where participants can gather, fostering community interactions and shared experiences. Simultaneously, the interior of the temple offers a tranquil refuge where individuals can engage with the play of light, finding moments of introspection. The sanctuary’s orientation is optimized for shade during the day, with the door facing south to maximize coverage and comfort. Under the sun’s rays, the lights look like golden sculptures that are curved in hyperbolic space and float off a single point on the ground. These shapes seem to defy the laws of gravity and spacetime, by extending flat geometries into a new curved dimension.
As the sun sets, Shadowlamp Sanctuary undergoes a transformative journey. The exterior shadowlamps illuminate, casting intricate and awe-inspiring shadows. The sanctuary’s interior, now bathed in a warm glow from its own interior shadow lamp, becomes an inviting space for those seeking a respite from the darkness. The sanctuary’s mesmerizing shadows create an inviting and meditative space.
Physical Dimensions:
Shadowlamp Sanctuary has a circular diameter of approximately 100 feet when including the shadows cast on the ground. The height of the central sanctuary is 22 feet. Top-down, and front-facing views, are provided below. The 3D model used for these renderings can be found at this link https://a360.co/49LX8Px
Construction Details:
Crafted from two layers of outdoor-grade 3/4 inch CNC routed plywood and reinforced with 2×4’s along the edges, the design ensures strength while maintaining a graceful curvature. The exterior shadowlamps are made with 1/2 inch lasercut plywood glued together with mitered edges and reinforced with 3D printed brackets. Extra care is taken to ensure the pointed shadowlamps have a strong and flexible bond to the umbrella holder. The dodecahedrons terminate to a single thick, and flexible, plastic-based pipe. A connection ensures the shadowlamps remain attached to the lower shaft. Additionally, the flexible plastic pipe can also allow for slight swaying and flexibility, like bamboo in the wind. This allows the lamp to dissipate forces much easier.
Within each shadowlamp, a copper pipe extends from the center, securely holding a 12-volt light bulb. This copper pipe also has the effect of adding strength to the central pole, and limiting the total allowed flexibility to avoid breaking. This choice of lighting not only offers high lumen output but also allows for intricate and detailed shadows, enhancing the visual impact of the installation. The lights are also individually dimmable and will be programmed to create a flickering, candlelight effect that also responds to rotational velocity. The low energy consumption of these lights aligns with sustainability goals, as they can be powered by nearby solar panels, storing energy in 12-volt car batteries.
2023 Pilot Project:
One of the exterior shadowlamps from this design was built as a pilot project for the 2023 Burning Man. Photos of the shadowlamp can be seen below.
Some of the key learnings were that the umbrella base was more than heavy enough to secure the shadowlamps, even during extreme dust storms. The plastic base pipe was also very useful to be flexible against weather, or if someone accidentally bumps against it. The lamp was nearly identical to the exterior 8-foot shadowlamps being proposed, however it was made from only 1/8 inch thick plywood. While this wood was strong enough to hold up against the 2023 dust, wind, and rain storms without breaking, a thicker wood would be preferable after seeing how people want to touch and play with the object. Using ½ inch thick plywood would make it 4 times stronger, which would ensure maximum protection against elements, as well as human interaction.
Project Philosophy:
The installation symbolizes the transformative power of light and shadows. This process serves as a metaphor for the human experience, encouraging individuals to seek the light within their own shadows, fostering personal growth and introspection. The internal sanctuary provides a haven for reflection and transformation.
Mathematical beauty plays a crucial role in the art piece, as evidenced by the intricate fractal 5-sided pentagon pattern that repeats both on a small and large scale. Unlike other geometric shapes that neatly fit into tiles, the 5-sided pentagon challenges traditional repetition and showcases complexity. The use of the curved dodecahedral shape, based on hyperbolic negatively curved space, adds another layer of mathematical depth. This choice not only transmits a sense of sacred geometry but also alludes to the profound symmetries found in the natural world and the cosmos.
The art piece also bridges ancient to modern. The reference to Islamic girih strapwork patterns establishes a connection between the timeless traditions of the past and the innovative expressions of the present. This inspiration from ancient artistry emphasizes the continuity of human creativity across cultures and epochs.
In essence, Shadowlamp Sanctuary is a tapestry of symbolism and meaning. It invites participants to explore the interplay of light and shadow, contemplate their inner selves, appreciate the beauty of mathematics, and acknowledge the timeless thread that connects human creativity through the ages. This art piece, with its intricate design and thoughtful references, serves as a vessel for the transmission of wisdom, sacred geometry, and the profound beauty that emerges from the intersection of ancient and modern artistic traditions.
Contact:
If interested in learning more or supporting the project, contact David Shugar (david.h.shugar@gmail.com)