By OBOP (Ojai Bureau of Pleasure) from a vision by Dawn Ceniceros
Conceptual rendering and
Diagram/plan of structure
(click image for higher resolution)
NOTE: leaves of grass have been added since original description was filed. These giant leaves will be created from a welded rebar framework covered with fabric and lit from within. The leaves have the structural function of anchoring the web, as well as adding visual impact.
Safety plan
The architects of the Web of Life structure are very savvy to engineering safety considerations having built tall structures for the playa in the past four years. Significant tether cables will be used to assure that the web is securely held to the ground.
Battery-powered light sources will be installed to subtly illuminate the entire project at night, including lights at the end of every tether so they are safe. Batteries will be recharged regularly.
Burn Scar plan
The Web will be burned on Sunday following a procession at dusk. During weaving, staff at the Web of Life will verify that all fabric woven into it is natural and burnable, such as cotton. The web framework and radiating wires will be made of strong, nonflammable structural materials.
We have already had a test burn to learn about properties of burning fabric (made flammable by coating it with simple cooking oil). See photos from test burn here. Only very small pieces of fabric fell to the ground during the burn. In our test burn, we determined that none of the material that hits the ground will be hot enough to cause any burn scarring.
We will provide a heat proof blanket or pan to protect the Playa. We will also create a retaining "fence," 100 feet long and 50 feet away from the web, during the burn so no material will blow away in the wind. Several members of our cmap will be assigned to monitor and gather any remaining debris with gloves and metal buckets.
Leave No Trace plan
The remains of the structure will be disassembled and removed on Monday morning.
A printed version of the Earth Guardian's Cleanup Plan Basics and Leave No Trace Philosophy has been distributed at our planning meetings. We will educate our first-timers to the "don't let it hit the ground" approach to LNT.