ARGO and THE GHOST DANCERS is deeply rooted in history, in the places and tribes that have characterized these places. It tries to inspire new users to get in touch with the old spirits through a new approach, which bases on the innovative and eco-sustainable use of new technologies.
The history of this land, so hostile to human life, leads us to retrace the footsteps of its first inhabitants, the Paiute Indians, nomadic gatherers who survived to a semi-arid steppe environment by living in intertwined bush huts. We began our creative process from this assumption, and we developed a strategy that takes shape by digging into the heart of these people.
The journey: ARGO
ARGO is a device that allows to freely rooms through all the different areas of our project.
paths of the desert. Its propulsion mechanism is made up by a huge rotating sail and by four wheels of large diameter that are powered by the thrust of the wind and, just occasionally, by a cycling back-up system.
Following a study of the main air currents that cross the area, we have created an itinerant route that allows to have the wind in favor most of the time. The crew planned for Argo is composed of a helmsman, four cyclists, two people in charge of the sails and a lookout at the bow. Moreover, it can also carry up to four other people for a total of twelve crew members.
The nomadic life: R.A.N.C.H.
For a true nomadic experience, it is fundamental to have the appropriate means.
R.A.N.C.H. is not only a survival kit but an integral part of the journey itself. Thanks to the materials that it contains, R.A.N.C.H. can help to the desert for up to two days. In this way, the visitors would be able to immerse themselves completely in nature.
Inside it we can find various tools necessary to survive and orientate within the area. In addition to these camping standards, the R.A.N.C.H. carries a HUT and an ENVIRONMENTAL MAP too.
The ritual collectivity: GHOST DANCERS
The name GHOST DANCERS comes from the cult of the Dance of the Spirits. With their ritual movements, these Spirits were able to invoke the animals and the rain. The Paiute population considered them as gods. Therefore our three sculptures are inspired by them.
GHOST DANCERS is both the main base-camp of the area and a sculpture that represents the strongest landmark of the project. It acts simultaneously as a terminal and departure deck for all the visitors, offering them space to shelter, refreshment, and care during daytime and nighttime.
