Conversation Booth
LSU Sculpture Garden | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
This design sought to create an inhabitable sculpture where two people could go to have a conversation. A very simple design, the first thumbnail sketch drawn became a very clear vision for the built piece.
Two people would be able to ascend ladders which crossed halfway up, and climb into the sculpture. It would be seen as a separate place within the park where people could sit down and, without worrying about catching the gaze of passersby, talk in an unenclosed but somewhat isolated space. In it, they could meet to catch up/share good news/share bad news/pass time/argue. The sculpture was an opportunity to choreograph interaction.
Working through sculpture was an extremely efficient way to manifest this concept. Architects often design collaborative spaces into buildings via rooms. In the Conversation Booth, the intent for communication was stated directly. Since its installation, it has become a popular spot to eat lunch or bring a date. It is sometimes seen holding a single person reading or listening to headphones. More often it is seen with people climbing it and sitting in it together, caring little what goes on below.
Dimensioned shop drawings
The sculpture is made of 500 lbs. of black steel, a 2” square tubing frame with 3/4” pipes forming the ladder rungs and seats. It was made in three parts and bolted together for convenient assembly and disassembly. Eight expansion bolts attach it to a 1-foot thick concrete pedestal. The sculpture can bear 800lbs of moving loads, fitting up to 4 people but seating two comfortably. Descent is easiest by the opposite ladder entered upon.
