Sun Catcher is a dappling device that manipulates and harnesses the sun by creating a practical shaded space using biodegradable materials for the public on the lawn in Chelsea Piers.

The task was to create an public installation for a waterfront science/art sculpture park at Chelsea Piers that manipulates, calls attention to and/or explains a natural phenomena to the public from March 21st to September 21st.

Site Analysis

I was immediately drawn to the mound on the lawn due to the way the sunlight interacted with the space. This particular spot in the site was also at a higher vantage point which I felt would be very attractive during the summer time.

Upon researching phenomena to experiment with, I was already captivated by light but specifically the dappling phenomena peaked my interest.

Dappling Experiments

Now that I decided on my phenomena, I wanted to create the purest form of dappling using materials that can be found in nature when this phenomena is occurring. Sticks were the simplest choice. However, I wanted to push the materiality even further.

I began researching what biomaterials could be used in a spacial installation at such a large scale. I found multiple recipes that were easy enough to be made in my dorm’s kitchen. However, there were many different iterations that needed to be made.

Bioplastic Recipe

1/4 cup of water
1 tsp of white vinegar
1 tsp of glycerin
1 tbsp of cornstarch

Creating a juxtaposition between the man made and natural materials that would both have the ability to decompose but in different time frames was alluring. Therefore, I needed to test the deterioration rate of the bioplastic I was creating.

I found that my bioplastic fully submerged into water did have very visual decomposing properties. In a fully scale installation meant to be placed in the park from March 21st to September 21st there will be ample precipitation but this rainfall will certainly not be as concentrated as this experiment. Therefore, it could be interesting for visitors to visually see the effects of the passage of time on these materials without the immediate decomposition of the bioplastic.

Sun Path

Continuing to follow the natural elements, the global form of the dappling device not only follows the arc of the sun path to optimize the phenomena but also acts as an extension of the mound it has been placed on.

Site Plan

Roof Plan

Floor Plan

West Elevation

User Analysis

Render View

Model Photos