The Smelly Tunnel was an olfactory installation built for the Philadelphia Flower Show in FDR Park. The piece used scented mist to explore the healing power of nature. I brought the initial vision to life structurally, proposing 3 open-air custom designed arches. I designed the heights, width, and structural arch to minimize construction costs by using truss systems to not only be decorative, but to also minimize wind load and improve lateral integrity. The gradual heights of the arches manipulate the user’s contact with the mist and scent.

I worked closely with fabricator, Carl Durkow, who developed the ‘starburst’ trust design, visiting the fabrication shop and providing him with all structural foundation needs. I worked with misting manufacturer for delivery, maintenance, and installation. I also designed landscape to meet ADA code requirements, chose aggregate materials, and designed circulation for site orientation to keep total costs under project budget.

I coordinated all on-site material delivery with various subcontractors and PHS organization, and physically assisted with hands-on building and installation. I maintained site operations for the entirety of the exhibition. Our installation was recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer.