Urban plan

Architect: The Eye
Puddle forum: Urban Plan

Every year, we collaboratively put a lot of thoughts into the design of the urban plan of our camp at Burning Man. This plan becomes the framework for Disorient on the Playa.

"Sign on Wheels" (2007)

Camp location: TBA
Camp dimensions (feet): 170 x 365
Number of campers (projected): 100-150
Camp motto: Live Green. Burn Pornj

This year, our new addition to the Disorient Express is the Rex, a 60 ft. long accordion bus. Between the Rex and the Dex, the Disorient Express is now about 90 feet long. This allows us, for the first time, to put the entire Disorient Sign on wheels.

"Our interest in creating the large Disorient sign for the first time in 2004 was to see from how far away a word could be and still be legible. Could it be read from across the playa? We found that the answer is certainly yes. We added sequencing to the sign so that at times it was legible and at others abstract. For me, the word and concept are tied closely to my first night ever at Burning Man in 1994 when I got profoundly lost and disoriented. I had to relearn to navigate in this new space. That process of breaking down and building up is essential to what the event is for me. In 2005 we put the 'DIS' on our first art vehicle and left the 'ORIENT' at home. In 2006 'ORI' travelled and 'DIS ENT' stayed at home. This year, we want to continue this play by putting the entire sign on 2 vehicles and creating several other letters of varying scales mounted in front of camp, on rickshaws, vehicles, etc. with the goal of completely breaking the monolith. I guess the underlying point of all of this is to encourage people to think twice about their beacons and navigational aids, both on the playa and in a larger context beyond the event." (Leo Villareal)

When the Disorient Express is not parked in front of the camp, a series of Delta Shade structures (designed and tested by Disorienters in 2006) creates a 100 ft. long lounge that is the interface between our camp and the Esplanade. Several large artworks including HiFiDreams by Spot, Bracelet by AKAirways, 8 Point Display (a set of horizontal wires on which participants can add or remove fluorescent 1 foot square pixels. Through these actions, letters and low resolution images can be created) and 3 Letters on Wheels (a triangular piece with various low resolution letters attached. Visitors can spin the piece around to change the letter) are installed in front and on the side of the Delta Shades. The lights inside the lounge are sequenced by Leo Villareal. These gestures welcome people's participation in the very definition of the camp.

During the day, we are presenting a large immersive sculpture, the Diamond, in front of camp, which measures 15'x15'x12', is covered by a mix of sequins, white fabric, and LEDs, acting as a screen to present time lapse movies (made on Playa) at night. Inside is a cozy and AC'd inflatable lounge with a breathing inflatable light sculpture by Anakin Koenig hanging from the ceiling. Lofted on top will be two of our Zero-G couches for relaxing and looking out over the expanse of the central playa.

We have new custom made (and architecturally beautiful) 100 foot long shade structure that can accommodate a large crowd lounging and lying in zero gravity couches and a sound system and stage for live music and events. At night, the shade structure has an elaborate led sculpture which displays a light show of my creation. We have a bar, kitchen and roaming hospitality (such as Turks and Cocos, a decorated cart that serves delicious tropical drinks) to service our lounge areas. Our goal is to create a very inviting, comfortable and great looking space for people to come and hang out it. It is not a crazy booming party but a place for us to be hosts and to give and take care of guests.

Pornj Lane, Disorient's central street, is the axis of the camp. Campers set-up their living space on both sides of Pornj Lane which fosters community through visual interconnection and immediate interaction.

History:
Version 1.2

Changes include:
- Adjustment of delta shades (design and layout) in camp frontage;
- Larger delta shades' front become pixels for light installation by leo;
- 3 new delta shades (with 24'x3' table) and existing carport for kitchen;
- Additional individual delta shades elsewhere in camp;
- Spot's projector (pink column) pointing at back of leo's rv;
- Generator (safety area in red) and bio-diesel 250 gallon tank relocated;
- New frontage object: 3 letters sculpture on wheels in front of camp;
- Space for material, shade for shop next to containers;
- Some model enhancements.