Burningman 2003

Project: The Tree (yes, very creative on the name)
Co-created by: Ben Chun and Eric Nguyen

The Design Process

The whole project started with some sketches that Eric did. We first imagined a shady, climbable structure that might be based on a dome. But we had no idea how to build it.

We made a model of a tensegrity-inspired structure but soon realized that the forces into the ground (nails into wood in our model) were far too high for stakes in the playa to support.

In a later computer model we envisioned the metal skeleton structure with a PVC frame over the top supporting large shade panels. We realized that these shade panels would create too much force for the PVC frame in the wind, so we decided to just create the metal skeleton and light it.


The tree is made of new and recycled steel tubing. The tubing was cut with an oxy-fuel cutting torch and an angle grinder, and welded with a MIG welder. It is designed so that each branch comes off from the trunk and is flat in a plane. This makes it easier to transport.


On the playa, the first step is to assemble and bury the base.


Next, the trunk is raised and attached to the base.


The easiest way to get up above the tree to attach the branches is to stand on top of the truck.


We lit the tree at night. This photo was taken early in the week, before we attached lighting pods to each branch. The colors in this photo are the result of just four par cans with gels.


This is the tree at sunrise. It was in our theme camp, Monkey vs Robot, at the corner of Sacred and Authority (10:00, one back from the Esplanade).