Upon entering Mechanical Room, one might initially feel as though they’ve stumbled into a restricted area—perhaps a mechanical room for the building's HVAC system. Visitors, uncertain of their permission to proceed, are soon drawn down a long passageway.
They are greeted by a chaotic symphony of galvanized metal air ducts, twisting and weaving through the metal-walled space in various sizes. Subtle mechanical and natural sounds echo from hidden sources. Shifting colors from above ripple across the endless silver surfaces of the room, and as visitors move, their reflections create shifting, ghostly forms on the metal-clad walls and ductwork.
A series of video screens scattered throughout the chaos come into view. Flowing from one screen to the next, the moving images depict various natural phenomena—fire, water, earth, and wind—each reflecting the elements of nature.
The Earth can be seen as a machine, composed of parts that move in different ways and are governed by the forces of the universe. Humans have long attempted to control the mechanics of nature, including using ventilation to make our habitats more comfortable.
However, as global warming intensifies, the risks of trying to control nature become more apparent. Here in Houston, situated in the path of hurricanes, we are acutely aware that the forces of nature will always prevail.
Through a fantastical experience, we hope Mechanical Room heightens awareness of the delicate and powerful beauty of our changing world, inspiring a desire to protect and cherish this planet we call home.