TinkerThink, A Large Scale Mechanical Puzzle

A couple of weeks ago, after the WordPress Meetup at Google, I was hanging out with Kevin Marks in the lobby of Building 43 and we came across a couple of really interesting kinetic sculptures that were on display. They were both created by Aaron Geman and are prototypes for his TinkerThink project, which will be a large scale, metal mechanical puzzle, done in the style of Rube Goldberg contraption. Here are the specific details of the project, including puzzle aspect of the sculpture.

In form, the sculpture will be similar to kinetic sculptures found in airport terminals, museums, corporate lobbies, and private collections. However, it will also be a challenging puzzle, making it entirely unique. I created a prototype that has been installed at DEKA Research & Development Corporation in New Hampshire, the Providence Children’s Museum, the Brown University Hillel House, and ESI Design in New York City. Every installation draws a crowd of enthusiastic observers and participants, proving that the concept works. The sculpture generates a remarkable dynamic among onlookers. They interact first with the machine, but then with each other. They ally against the puzzle – exchanging ideas, sharing discoveries, celebrating successes, laughing off failures, and offering tips to newcomers. They enjoy a unique atmosphere. Art experienced collectively. Funding will allow me to build a finished sculpture with a robust yet elegant body of welded steel, suitable for permanent installation.

Aaron is currently seeking funding to complete this project, so if you know anyone who might want to help out, please have them contact him directly.