Every year, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin transforms into a magical place with the creation of eight unique forts for its Fortlandia installation. These forts aim to engage both kids and adults with the natural environment in a playful and curious way. The interactive art pieces are now open to the public and will be on display until early February.
One of the forts, called Honeycomb Hideout, is a human-sized beehive made up of sixty hexagonal honeycombs, each three feet across. Surrounding the beehive are three abstract flowers, creating a visually stunning structure. The inspiration behind this design came from the Wildflower Center’s efforts to educate children about pollination.
The design process involved a team of designers, architects, engineers, and fabricators. While most of the design work was done using computer-aided drafting programs, input was also gathered from children of the STG Design employees. The kids were invited to play on a prototype hexagon and provide feedback, contributing to the final design of the fort.
Nine-year-old Elliot Hirsch, the son of STG architect Brett Hirsch, shared his drawings and ideas for the fort, adding a touch of creativity from a child’s perspective. Building the fort was a collaborative effort involving various companies like Andalusia Design, which saw this project as an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and establish relationships within the community.
Andalusia Design played a crucial role in fabricating the components of the fort, using automated CNC machinery to cut wood panels for the hexagon frames and fabricate metal brackets. Volunteers from different companies came together on a Saturday to assemble the sixty hexagons, working on tasks like gluing and drilling to bring the fort to life.
Architect Brett Hirsch expressed his gratitude for being part of the project and commended the team for their dedication and effort in designing and building the fort. The sense of community and collaboration was evident throughout the process, with everyone contributing their time and skills to create something special for the public to enjoy.
As the completion of the Honeycomb Hideout fort draws near, the excitement is palpable, especially for young Elliot Hirsch, who looks forward to buzzing around the beehive like a bee. This project not only showcases creativity and innovation but also highlights the importance of connecting with nature and fostering a sense of wonder and exploration.
In a world where technology often takes center stage, initiatives like Fortlandia remind us of the beauty and magic that can be found in the natural world. By encouraging playfulness and curiosity, these whimsical installations bring joy and inspiration to all who experience them.