We were hoping to distribute the weight of the sculpture and four riders (a.k.a Pilots or "Kinetinauts") over twelve bicycle wheels on four adult size tricycles, then wrap a submarine hull made of up cycled plastic bottles around it. The idea was - and still is - to raise awareness about the crisis of plastic garbage in our oceans, especially the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/great-pacific-garbage-patch/?ar_a=1) as well as the amount of energy (and petroleum) that goes into the production of plastic water bottles.
We discussed the Lorax as a champion of environmental protection, so we would include an actor dressed as the Lorax, reciting a slight variation on Dr. Seuss' story:
"I am the Lorax, I speak for the seas;
which you seem to pollute as quick as you please."
It was all coming together rather nicely when our engineering consultant, Mike G. showed up to critique the design. It turns out that so many bicycle wheels fixed in position are very likely to "taco" - to warp or buckle - under the stresses of turning, load shifting, and uneven pavement.
Also, quick egress in the event of an accident (most likely in the harbor) is important, and difficult in a submarine. So our resilient team is working on… Design Idea #4.
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