Metro Vancouver at the 2023 PNE

1. Project Overview

At the 2023 PNE Fair, Metro Vancouver unveiled two new installations as part of their 6,000 square-foot exhibit, augmenting their collection to a total of eighteen activations and numerous daily live performances. The first, a life-sized graphical model of a tunnel boring machine that mirrors the ongoing Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant tunnel project. The second, a creative bean bag toss game, that encouraged players to sort bags into appropriate waste bins – recycling, green waste, or garbage – based on printed bean bag graphics.

Both projects were realized in partnership with Creative Others.

2. LED Tunnel Boring Machine Graphic

Design Solution

Challenged with replicating a tunnel boring machine at a 1:1 scale, with a 20-foot diameter head, innovative fabrication methods were required. We chose a printed scrim graphic, typically used in construction sites, for its breathability and safety features, preventing it from acting like a sail. Mounted on an aluminum box truss frame, the graphic stood out impressively during the day.

To enhance its night-time appeal, Creative Others commissioned me to outfit the graphic with outdoor-rated LED pixel strips. The installation involved securing the strips to the scrim with zip ties and connecting them to a custom-built, waterproof electrical control box and writing software to run carnival-inspired animations.

Technical Specs

Over 2000 RGB LEDs.
A custom control box featuring 21 outputs, 7 unique channels.
Waterproof cable connectors, hooded air vents for cooling the control box.
Dual power supplies, fused power lines.
Laser-cut acrylic plates for secure component mounting.

3. Bean Bag Sorting Bin Game

Design Solution

Reinventing the classic cornhole game, this installation integrated cutting-edge technology. Each bin featured a laser curtain beam break, with lasers 40mm apart, to detect bean bags passing through. Breaking a laser beam triggers one of three audio clips to play through embedded speakers and flashes an LED animation around the corresponding hole.

Each bean bag, adorned with printed graphics, encouraged players to consider the correct waste category: recycling, green waste, or garbage. A Metro Vancouver representative engaged with participants, awarding prizes and sharing messages of sustainability. This activation successfully sparked curiosity and involvement in Metro Vancouver's sustainability efforts.