Wed, Feb 01, 2012
Kern Planning Commission OK Was Unanimous
Retired aircraft can face a wide variety of fates, from being
salvaged for their expensive components, as in the case of the 747s
acquired by Stratolauncher, to being left for decades in desert
graveyards. But one Boeing 727 will be buried 38 feet below the
surface of the Mohave Desert to create an unusual work of art.
Bakersfield.com reports the Kern County Planning Commission
voted 3-0 last week to allow Swiss artist Christoph Buchel to dig
the big hole on his property near Boron, CA, connect it to a
parking lot through a 400-foot tunnel, and to bury the plane in a
manner which will allow visitors to reach it underground. The
engines and fuel will be removed, and new electrical, plumbing and
ventilation installed, and the interior will be left looking like a
typical airliner cabin.
Structural engineer Derrick Roorda, who's helping Buchel with
the project, read a statement to the board last Thursday which says
the artist "creates hyper-realistic environments that are, in
essence, like walking into a mind at work," and has developed "an
artistic sensibility that allows layers of social and political
commentary to permeate within a uniquely contemplative space."
Cornelia Providoli, a Buchel representative, answered
environmental impact concerns raised by Arthur Unger, a Sierra Club
member, at last week's hearing. She explained that since each
visitor must have an opportunity to explore the artwork in an
environment that is as private as possible, and "in the silence of
the desert," only 15 visitors per week will be admitted. The
plane's restrooms will be converted to work with a septic system
installed at the site. Unger also wanted solar panels installed as
a roof over the parking area.
Commissioner Pete Belluomini calls the project "the most unique
thing I've had to look at since I've been doing this." Buschel's
plan includes leaving the surface of the desert above the old plane
looking just as it did before the dig. The work of art will be
titled "Terminal," and while the planning commission may have had
its questions satisfied, there will still be fire safety and other
requirements to be met.
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