Since standard container connectors were not suitable for the angles created by the triangular design, Silman collaborated closely with the architect and manufacturer to design custom connectors in combination with off-the-shelf elements. This strategy will allow for the containers to be continually reused after they are disassembled.
The Chronicles of New York mural in Domino Park is attached to a 53-foot-tall stack of 16 reused blue shipping containers with a full size wood stud and plywood backing. In order to assemble the containers without permanent alterations, Silman avoided conventional connection elements such as bolts and welds.
The Chronicles of New York mural depicts over 1,000 New Yorkers from across the five boroughs.
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Since standard container connectors were not suitable for the angles created by the triangular design, Silman collaborated closely with the architect and manufacturer to design custom connectors in combination with off-the-shelf elements. This strategy will allow for the containers to be continually reused after they are disassembled.
The container stack foundation uses simple bearing plates. The lower levels of containers are filled with several thousand pounds of water-filled drums to stabilize the structure under heavy winds. Without the use of any struts or tie downs, these counterweights resist the significant wind load imposed by the installation’s height and large mural.
