Tomás Saraceno’s Art Work “In Orbit” (2013) against the Backdrop of Space Architecture

Abstract

When discussing the correlation between technological progress and the development of modern architecture, case studies from the fine arts can be instructive. This article undertakes a close architectural analysis of Tomás Saraceno’s walkable art installation “In Orbit” (2013) by releasing previously unpublished technical specifications. A brief history of envisioned and constructed space architecture of the last hundred years—which can be divided into three phases—serves to locate the installation within the currents of predictive utopia, realized architecture and technological development. It becomes clear that Saraceno not only takes up pre-existing architectural techniques, but also develops them further.

Keywords

• Tomás Saraceno
• “In Orbit”
• utopia
• space architecture
• lightweight structure
• flying city
• aerospace
• art installation
• spider web