Overview

Viral capsids were magnified and fashioned into geodesic greenhouses to grow therapeutic herbs for each virus. The Beam Summer Camp commissioned this collaborative project for which I designed domes based on the protein structures of four viruses. Many viruses organize their proteins according to geodesic patterns. Among these are the hepatitis C virus, HIV, the rhinovirus (cold-flu) and the herpes virus. Over the course of the project, the counselors and 60 campers interpreted and constructed these sculptural shelters after my designs. They learned building and creative crafts, cared for plants, discovered viruses and microbes, and explored the territories of their own bodies as fodder for art-making. They also contributed the fantastical "Beam" virus, representing their own infectious qualities. The Viral Domes became their shelters, playspaces and activity centers while still inspiring a sense of Eeew!

Additional Information

• Project Masters: CAITLIN BERRIGAN
• This is a sleepaway program for making and collaboration.
• This project is a large-scale collaborative Project that serves as the centerpiece of the Beam experience.
• In the first and second week of the session, campers will participate in 90 minutes of Project Fundamentals each day. Project Fundamentals will include training in project management, structural design and the specific construction and fabrication methods, such as carpentry and metalwork, required for the Project.
• The third week of the session will be dedicated almost exclusively to the building of the Project. Camper-led teams of campers will be challenged to execute phases of the Project autonomously. They will be supervised by the Project Staff, but it will be up to them to ask for specific guidance and support if they encounter roadblocks.
• In the second and third week of the session, Beam Campers choose to explore a new Domain: in-depth, hands-on, discovery activities in the arts, performance, sciences, athletic or cultural fields (or mash-up of several fields). They explore disciplines, techniques or projects in small groups. Domains pursue learning, making and experimenting with personal goals and products in mind, rather than the Beam Project's single gigantic one.