Read here about a sculpture by Kenneth Snelson, shown at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

Overview

Synergetics, Inc. was responsible for the Tower of Light structure. T. C. Howard, an architect and engineer, was the President of Synergetics and designer of the Tower. For the 12-billion candlepower Tower of Light Howard employed colored gelatin sheets in light fixtures and color-coated bulbs in an arrangement of lighting to vary in a number of combinations of tone, hue and intensity against 1200 aluminum panels which formed the building's facade. At the fair Howard also designed the Pavilion (a geodesic dome later remodeled for the Queens Zoo) and a geodesic dome screen used in the Transportation Pavilion. [1]

The archway of the Tower of Light and its central feature were sculptures by Kenneth Snelson. Snelson and Howard were friends. They had worked together on the Museum of Modern Art exhibition in 1959. Howard admired Snelson's talent and the Tower of Light was designed to house and feature Snelson's tower sculpture. The entrance sculptures were added later.

Construction began in May 1963. Snelson's sculpture in the Tower of Light, "Photonium," stood in the center. In addition a construction of suspended aluminum tubes measuring 30 X 35 feet adorned the entrance to the pavilion.

Press attention mostly centered on the bright light projected, at the time the largest concentrated source of exhibition lighting in the world.

Gallery

Below are some videos and photos of this tensegrity artifact.

A short video clip about the pavilion. Con Ed "Girls" Mary McGarry and Carol Green are heard recalling working at the pavilion. The entrance is seen clearly, a segment from "To The Fair", Producer: Thompson (Francis), Directed by Alexander Hammid and Wheaton Galentine.