Desert Hearts Stage
| Title: | City Hearts Stage + DJ Booth |
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| Project Collaborators: | Desert Hearts |
| Date: | November 9th and 10th 2019 |
| Location: | Downtown Los Angeles, California |
| Materials: | EPS foam, 2-part hardcoating resin, automotive urethane paints, steel armature, MDF, plywood, WS2811 LEDs, 1/4” acrylic rods, fluorescent resin, various acrylic 1/4” and 1/8”, 50/50 transparent acrylic (infinity mirror), various hardware |
| Project Goal: | To conceptualize, design, 3D model, machine, fabricate, and install on-site in 2 week time |
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| Project Challenges: | To create a stage from initial sketches in 16 days battling pieces that had more than 5 layers of paint to have to dry before installation |
Digital sketches are created from the initial pencil sketches to bridge the gap into 3D modelling (the last step in the design process)
Creating multiple 2d sketches helps to narrow down the overall aesthetic from the inspiration image.
A 3D CAD model is created once the designs are finalized to be sent to the fabrication department and get built.
Color renderings help give a sense of what the build materials will look like once assembled.
We use a multitude of foam carving techniques including: chainsaws, hot wires, and custom angle grinder attachments that we custom make to achieve different textures.
Using a laser cut profile out of MDF, we are able to an accurate foam profile based on the original CAD model.
Using custom angle grinder attachments allows us to get unique textures for shaping the foam.
Using large paper printouts referencing the CAD model is how we accurately built the centerpiece heart.
Once the steel tube is cut and tacked, the final welding can happen along all the seams.
The mountain profiles were CNC routed out of MDF to accommodate for the laser cut acrylic pieces to snap in from behind for assembly.
CNC routed 1/4" MDF is used to sandwich the acrylic for the side lit fluorescent glow effect.
4 separate layers of MDF sandwiched pieces come together to create a lightbox for the acrylic/side lit fluorescent glow.
Laser cut acrylic is marked with a unique number to ease assembly.
Using stacked MDF rings, we created the outer structure for the center infinity mirror with the Desert Heart logo etched on glass.
Initial base primer coat is applied to then add details and shading for the next step.
Different shades of green and yellow are applied to blend the primer coat and allow shadowing to be more effective.
The sandwiched glow edge acrylic is assembled in-between MDF layers to capture the light and transmit it through the colored acrylic.
Choosing from many different colors during the paint sample phase helps to narrow down the color pallete and dial in the aesthetic.
Using UV reactive glow resin with blacklights for the performance creates a glow effect dripping down the cactuses and mountains.
Using resin and dripping it at the very end of the cure time allows for artistic layering with the UV reactive and regular resins.
After the resin is dripped and fully cured, we applied a glitter spray with clear coat protection to add shine from the sun during the daytime.
Having a combination of UV reactive resin, acrylic paint, and polyurethane paints in layering provides unique color blending for daytime and nighttime.
UV reactive glow resin is effective for creating contrasting color effects for stage pieces.
Once all of the parts have been machined, the final assembly can occur.
It takes about 15 people to assemble a structure like this stage in 3 weeks from start to finish.
In-house electrical system assembly, testing, and programming to be able to control and LEDs with DMX and preprogrammed patterns.
Before bringing on-site to the performance venue, we verify all of the lighting and fitment to ensure our tolerance is correct for the setup.
Our team installed this stage at an event in Downtown Los Angeles in preparation for the night festival.
The stage comes to life at night with the various acrylic colors, side lit edge glow and UV reactive resin.
The mirrored acrylic with the orange and yellow accents create a mirage of colors during the daytime.
Our team programmed the lights to run on their own as well as be able to be integrated into the DMX system.
The full visual effect at night creates an atmosphere for the DJs and crowd to bask in multicolored reflections and lights.