Wendy – MoMA PS1

New York

Wendy – MoMA PS1

structural engineering, special structures Services

Matthias Hollwich und Marc Kushner (HWKN) Architect

A modular steel temporary structure enclosing a walkable, air-purifying sculpture

Project

"Wendy", a 45 ft high temporary steel structure, was installed in MoMA PS1’s courtyard in the summer of 2012. With a footprint of 55 x 55 ft, the structure enclosed a walkable star sculpture. The blue star sculpture served to bind air-pollutants using a titanium dioxide-coated PVC membrane. Water troughs, spray fountains, and wind turbines created a pleasant microclimate in the vegetation-free courtyard during summer events.

Our goal was to ensure that all constructional elements – including the foundations remained fully reusable after disassembly

STRUCTURE

The steel structure consisted of horizontal and vertical primary elements using the Systems TM scaffolding system. All other elements were connected using steel pipe couplings. To avoid complicating the design with additional members, the edge members of the star sculpture were integrated in the bracing system of the structure. Foundation screws were used to avoid tension anchors or heavy counterweights for the foundation system. Like all other steel elements of the project, the 3inch diameter, 5ft long hollow mantle screws were designed to be reused after the disassembly of the sculpture.