The Big Hammock
ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY GREENWAY, BOSTON, MA
Public Art Installation
Completion: 2010
Project Overview
Project Team
Hansy Better Barraza
Anthony J. Piermarini
Ben Tulman
Liem Than
Ivan Tae
Structural Engineer
Photography
John Horner
PUBLIC PRODUCTION
A LIVING PERFORMANCE
INNOVATIVE MATERIAL USE
100% RECYCLED PET ROPE
HAMMOCKS IN THE ARTS
CULTURAL HISTORY
About the Big Hammock
AT ROSE FITZGERALD KENNEDY GREENWAY
The challenge in creating The Big Hammock was to construct an expansive hammock as not only a sculptural expression, but also as an interactive installation that expanded the public’s understanding of craft and production. BR+A+CE designed and developed the hammock, which was woven by local artisans out of 100% recycled PET rope. The rope measured 2550 feet (warp) and 1728 feet (weft), for a total of 4278 feet – more than five times longer than the Boston Hancock Tower is tall. A self-supporting steel frame suspended the hammock three feet off the ground. The installation facilitated a unique way for residents and visitors to engage with the urban and historical settings, creating a common social ground where an individual’s weight, size, and position could interact in concert with other bodies.
BR+A+CE: Building Research + Architecture + Community Exchange is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization co-founded by the Principals of Studio Luz Architects. The Big Hammock project was donated to BR+A+CE in order to be brought to other public sites.
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