Shrumen Lumen is a garden of gigantic origami mushrooms that change shape and color in response to human activity.
After a year off, we decided to build on the success of Blumen Lumen. This time we drew inspiration from mushrooms, and applied a new fold pattern to create an even more mesmerizing motion and light canvas.
We are honored to be part of the Smitsonian Renwick Gallerry’s exhibit No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man where the Shrumens are receiving rave reviews. If you are in the DC area, the exhibit is worth a visit!
Check out some of the press:
Bloomberg, BBC, National Geographic, Washington Post, New York Times, Fast.co
Same as last time, we started with a paper model and some 3D printed parts to figure out the simplest way to make the piece move.
The folding this time was a completely different beast. Each head is made from 12 4’x8’ sheets put together and has to be folded as one.
Here is the first time one of the heads was actuated at full scale. We used a linear actuator that I found that met our speed, force and noise requirements. Typically it’s used in large farming equipment.
After their success on the Playa, we were invited to show the mushrooms in Dubai at D3 in 2016. Pictured here with the tallest building in the world in the background.