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2009
FLOAT WITH THE FLOWERS
Designed by: CHRISTINE BAUMGARTNER & MANUEL KRETZER
While trying to combine these two major elements – water and earth – Christine B. & Manuel K. initial idea behind “float with the flowers” was derived from nature surrounding Beam Camp. Inspired by the water lily and it’s rather dusty sister the rose of Jericho their approach suggests a self built toy that transforms a “land use” towards a floating “water occupancy”. Like the rose of Jericho the structure opens once it is pulled into the lake.
Campers collaborated with architects Christine Baumgartner and Manuel Kretzer to create "Float With The Flowers." Sixty-five campers and the Beam staff worked for four weeks to construct extraordinary structures, comprised of wooden balls and dowels, that stand closed on land and blossom open on water.
Part puzzle and sculpture, Beam campers explored how simple elements combine to form complex systems; how even a "toy" is a product of intense design, precision engineering and fabrication; how balls, sticks and tubes, wood and plastic, can combine to represent natural contours and forces. Their patience and craft led them to a better understanding of our world and the things we use and enjoy.
