[ Light. Sound. Touch. ]

The TOGS competition is about reinventing the outdoor gallery space. With this entry, we are not only challenging gallery norms, but thoughts about architecture and construction as a whole. The primary material used to construct this TOG is circular ductwork. The concept presents an ordinary industrial material in an imaginative way, exploring the depths to which nontraditional materials can be utilized in unique ways. The benefits to this system include its ability to be salvaged from scrap pieces (pre-cycled). Its ability to be donated to other causes after use, such as Habitat for Humanity, and its ability to challenge viewers to think outside the box for architectural solutions.

Not just something to look at, this proposal is an interactive experience. Normally used to carry air from one place to another, the circular ductwork in this structure is employed to carry sound. Traditional duct accessories provide places to speak into the duct pipes, and the sound travels throughout the structure. There are places for people to speak and to listen, and some sounds travel within the actual gallery space. This provides an opportunity for people to become part of the exhibit, giving them something special to remember.

The ductwork's flexibility can form benches, windows, and various ways of presenting artwork of different types. A soundproof acrylic structure surrounds the inside of the gallery, minimizing the noise penetration. The glass allows for paintings and other art to be hung on a flat surface, while parts of the ductwork that are exposed to the interior can be used for hanging work. This maximizes experience, interaction, and functionality. There is plenty of space inside for sculpture, including glass shelves placed on top of a ductwork ribbon. This ribbon provides visual interest and illustrates a sound path in a provocative way. The ribbon is a continuous piece that penetrates the outer envelope, becoming a piece of art in its own right. 

Construction of the TOG is much easier than one might initially expect. The entire ductwork portion of the structure only uses two types: straight aluminum ductwork and an adjustable angle. The adjustable angle is capable of making any angle from 180 to 90 degrees, with just the twist of the wrist. This means that every angle can be easily constructed, and the angles do not even have to be exact. The entire system snaps together. Once constructed, the system can easily be disassembled as the pieces are attached permanently to their prospective acrylic panels. When it is time to move the structure, the panels are separated and can easily be stacked on a truck.

The design is suitable for any site and any art medium. It makes a statement about sustainability, inventiveness, and interactive possibility. The structure provides an intriguing backdrop for displaying art, while blurring the lines about what art can be. It also evokes thoughts of sustainability and the possibility that materials can be utilized in imaginative ways that can redefine how we think about reuse and construction.