10.000 sqm NASA space blanket to cover this year's burning man, by sasha shtanuk

proposed to burning man’s organizers by russia-based architect sasha shtanuk, a 100 by 100 meters reflective silver blanket is to create an intimate, chilly space in the festival’s desert. made of 3.350 NASA space blankets held together with 40 km of reinforced tape, the ultralight polyester canvas will constantly change its shape into surreal silhouettes of waves, mountains, and any other gigantic form your imagination can think of.

to raise enough money for the materials, transportation, rent, etc., and make the installation happen, the architect has started an indiegogo campaign with a flexible goal of 17.500 dollars. to back the project, you can buy a dusty piece of ‘the blanket’ for $15 to $10.000, depending on its size.

shtanuk aims at bringing a safe and friendly gathering space into the hot desert. ‘ever since we were children and throughout our lives, we share the space under the blanket with lovers, friends, and family,’ says the architect. ‘under the blanket, there are no strangers.’ 

as shtanuk explains, the silver-colored side of the blanket reflects up to 97% of the radiated heat, which provides a comfortable and fresh resting area under the installation during the daytime. ‘at night, hundreds of people in el-wire suits will get together under the blanket, creating an effect of oceanic bioluminescent plankton or moving waves of the equalizer,’ adds the architect.

videos by alex shtanuk

last year, sasha shtanuk set a smaller version of the installation at ‘archsroyanie’ festival in russia

3D simulation

the transportation of the materials to archstoyanie festival