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Mamikon
Spinner (Sculpture for
Caltech)
The Spinner (triple twisted strip), nested on a
pyramid, hangs on a spring on a string from a tall curved
poll, a spire. It constantly spins due to always existing
air convection, accumulating energy as an angular pendulum,
like in special clocks. About 10 -15 ft in diameter, it
hangs ~10 ft high.
Shiny - to match the facade of Broad building,
the Spinner reflects sunrays and other lights, shedding
around flashy and lightning wavy patterns. Sparkles on
seilings of labs, dark corners and bushes; and can be seen
miles away.
The system is self-stabilazing. Sideway winds do
not affect it, only the vertical component causes sudden
slight sinks. Swings are damped, strong twists are slowed
down by generating own electricity, lighting from the top
lamp and/or the pyramid.
Can be made colorful, holographic, with patterns,
say, color strips, etc... A possible pool under it with
fountains may enhance both its look and the spinning action.
Can be hung anywhere, for instance, from the
Millikan building, but fits nicely to the Broad's complex -
near the buffet at the end of the alley, seen over the
trees.
Matches the other sculptures (Archimedes' Snub
Cube, Millikan Library' Mobilo).
Symbolizes all kinds of scientific concepts of
Caltech's interests:
It is Environmental: Cosmic Recycler (like 3-D
recycling logo), harmless, safe
Educational - There exists an entire package of
educational activities based on this spinner
Biological - the spinning Double-Helix creates an
increadible Illusion: its two mirror-imaged
spirals pass through each other in opposite
directions (one up, the other one down).
Historical - spirals 'back' with a new twist,
evolutionary-revolutionary, Egyptian pyramids,
Philosophical - simple and complex, unified and
paradoxical, smooth but full of contrasts,
Astrophysical - like UFO, flying saucer,
Jet-propulsive, anti-turbulent, telescopic, radio-locator
Physical - airodynamic, gravitational and
anti-gravitational (waves), rotational momentum, etc...
Mathematical - with all the 'crazy' topological
properties of the famous Mobius strip
(one-sided, one-edged) this is better for it is
symmetric, stable and spinnable.
Geometric - pyramidal, triangular, hexagonal; can
be also cubic, spherical, conical, cylindrical.
Playful and Sporty - like a toy , frizbee, it's
breezy, Spingee.
Healthy - Relaxing, refreshing, energizing,
sensitive, live.
Melodic chimes can hang from it. The pyramid can
ring as a bell in tact of the dancing lights.
Heuristic, constructive, thoughtful. Prompts
creativity, fantasies, R&D.
MAMIKON, Caltech
mamikon@caltech.edu
626-390-4037 phone
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