To Build a Crevasse: Part 2

A few more photos of the crevasse for you to enjoy. The process continues...

To Build a Crevasse

Frank Ayala and the others from Monolithic Sculpture, Inc. have really outdone themselves this time. The crevasse they were hired to make has been a much anticipated part of the construction of the museum, and it is finally under way. Not only that, it is a work of art, and a time consuming one at that. The same construction method was used for the crevasse as was earlier employed for the creation of the faux rock formations. This time, however, it was the shape and space that the styrofoam and concrete structure had to fit into that made it such a compelling piece to watch take form.

Here are some of the more intriguing photos from the process. Soon, we'll be able to show you the final piece. Then comes the installation of exhibits, as Quatrefoil has already begun to pack up the prefabricated pieces in its workshops in Maryland and drive them to Golden. The transformation from construction zone to museum hall will be fast, and amazing.

Slow, But Faster Than Nature

The process of turning Styrofoam blocks into faux rocks has been a long one. Still, it is faster than waiting for nature.

Behind giant curtains of plastic, the artists from Monolithic have been spraying concrete, carving, and sand-blasting to create granite formations with great detail. Soon enough, the process will be completed with some paint, faux ice, and other final touches. Then, the curtain will be raised on one of the most exciting attributes of the mountain environment of the museum.

Faux Rocks!

The men from Monolithic have arrived bearing rocks. Experts in the field of artificial rock sculpting, we have contracted them to create granite spires within the museum, on which we will have historic and modern climbing mannequins.

Their process is quite interesting (following the photographs): (1) A scale model (12" tall) is created at their studios in Boulder, and then a full scale model is cut to mimic that design. (2) Much like puzzle pieces, the rocks are reassembled on site. No, they are not that heavy, but they serve as a great core material over which to spray concrete, which can then be further sculpted to mimic the rock of choice. (3) Two spires are being built, one of which is much taller and will represent a mixed face of rock and ice. This is where visitors will see the modern climber ascending. (4) The joints are filled with special foam in preparation for the spraying of concrete. That will happen in a month's time.

Meanwhile, we anxiously await the modeling and installation of the crevasse.

Design of the museum

The design and development of the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum (BWAMM) is well under way. Working with Quatrefoil, a design firm located in Laurel, Maryland, the museum staff has put together a spectacular design for the exhibit hall. Complementing the amazing collection of artifacts will be design features specific to the world of mountaineering. Upon entering the museum, visitors will walk down and over a crevasse. Faux rock formations will line the walls of the hall, and mannequin climbers - both historic and modern - will literally climb the walls.

Quatrefoil is famous for having worked on the Sound Lab at Experience Music Project. Their list of design projects also includes some local museums of interest: Telluride Historical Museum, The Greeley History Museum, and they are currently working in Boulder on the Space Science Institute - Giant Worlds exhibit. See a complete list of their projects here.

The rock formations will be designed, built, and installed by Monolithic Sculpture Inc., a Boulder company known for creating climbing walls for the sport of rock climbing, as well as sculptural installations. They had previously built the climbing wall in the American Mountaineering Center, the building which the BWAMM will call home.

Now, some images of the future museum. (1) A drawing of the floorplan; (2) The Crevasse. Upon entering the mezzanine,visitors will look out over the exhibit hall. They will then walk down over the crevasse; (3) The view from the mezannine; (4) Drawings for the rock formation and climber display; (5) An example of one of the wall panels. Large, colorful, and beautiful, the hundreds of images that will be used in the design of the exhibit will come from such places as the National Geographic Society, the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection, Aurora Photos, as well as many other amazing photographers.