Francisco Carbajal, Unified Peaks, 2022
Scaffolding, woven plastic strapping, 11500 x 4200mm.
As the work creates a movement with the wind and the site, it reflects the dance of our consumed traces repeating in nature. Echoing the drift of micro-plastics carried in the elements a dance of dire consequence for ocean habitats and
Unified Peaks is a collaborative project designed to question the current environmental practices of both the architecture and construction industries. By fusing art and architecture, this work hopes to create a platform for discussion around circular economies for construction materials. It asks, “should the use of up-cycled materials become standard practice in the future?” and looks to ways that might be achieved.
Unified Peaks behaves as a shelter, expressing the fundamental purpose of architecture whilst simultaneously communicating the need to reframe that purpose for a contemporary social and ecological context.
Its form captures the calm yet potentially violent behaviour of the moana surrounding Waiheke Island. This contrast is mimicked in the sculpture’s design by the soft curves and aggressive points, all created using upcycled materials found at the fringe of construction: scaffolding poles are used as the outer frame and woven plastic strapping forms the screen for shading.
While enjoying shade from the sun, look for the QR codes hidden around the sculpture to learn more about this project.
