Ready, Set…
September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22 was load-in day. Telescopic forklifts, boom lifts, tons of lumber, table saws and power drills all made their way to Madison Square Park, as did Tadashi Kawamata. He arrived as the sun was setting for an evening meeting with his assistants, our engineers and tree care specialists.
Today we start building! Don’t forget, Tadashi and his crew will be meeting and greeting the public from 12:30 – 1:00 PM every day at Tree Huts HQ, in the southwest corner of Madison Square Park at 23rd St. and 5th Avenue. See you there….
Are the trees going to be harmed from this installation?
No, the trees are not harmed. A tree expert walked the artist through the park explaining the strength and weaknesses of the various trees, and selection was made based on his recommendations. The trees are not in direct contact with the wood and no screws pierce the trees. Thick rubber is first strapped to the tree, then lumber is strapped to the rubber, and then lumber is joined to lumber with screws, and the hut goes up.