Thorned Arch
by Donovan & Billimack
Sponsor: Citi Cards
Nonprofit: Habitat for Humanity

Design by Simon Donovan, fabrication by Jesse Billimack and Simon Donovan (already constructed -- 2003).

Envision an 8' tall fluorescent green arch with a 4' wide opening, covered with dozens of large 4” fluorescent yellow thorns. At the end point of each thorn is a round hole emitting at night a fluorescent pink glow. It is meant as a cartoon-like homage to both southwest architecture and desert botany. It will have a steel-tube armature and a thin galvanized steel skin, by tiling the form with a number of roofing funnel vents. It will be painted outside and inside with fluorescent enamels and clear coated with a U.V. protectant. It will be lighted from within by a series of fluorescent lights. An electricity source is required. Lightweight, it will be securely bolted to concrete bases.