Construction on this behemoth began in early August 2002. After three weeks (and several cuts & scratches later) it was completed.

Participant safety, as well as a high tolerance/sturdy structure was the primary focus. La Boite Noire not only had to stand up to multiple trials, but be able to provide people with an engaging experience.

The first step was to take high gauge welder's wire and form the internal frame. The wire came in sheets measuring 4 feet high, and was cut so that the cylinder (La Boite Noire) would be 4 feet in diameter. Two sections were then joined, creating a 7 ft tall by 4 ft wide entity. Each piece was joined together by a process nicknamed "pulling." This was where each wire left exposed was used to fuse the two pieces together via wire cutters and pliers (this was also the process used to put the two initial pieces together). In all, over 200 wires were pulled. This massive skeleton was then fitted for its "skin."

The exterior was created with a think, 50% polyester/ 50% cotton material. This was to aid in a later step (in creating the "shell") and to keep illumination out. The black colour was also selected for artistic reasons, especially for the gothic association. Each piece of material was hand-sewn to the superstructure. This process was demanding, having four main areas where this was performed. A thin fishing wire was used to complete this, selected for its clear (unnoticeable) colour and for strength. Any open or fringed areas were covered in black duct tape for added support.

Once the material was tested for durability, the entire cylinder was coated in a semi gloss polyurethane. This would tighten up the material so it would stay compressed to the steel frame, and help create a strong "shell." Once dry, the underlying frame protruded through the skin allowing for an eerie skeletal appearance. (One of the ongoing efforts was to have a structure that was both organic and industrial in look).

A three point hanging system was conceived to help elevate the cylinder. Each rope was tied through the inner structure and then tied with a hangman's knot to allow for maximum pressure tolerance. This was then attached to a pulley hanging appx. 9ft above the ground. The studio where La Boite Noire was housed granted enough space to raise it 3 to 4 feet off the ground.

Inside La Boite Noire was one of the more interesting, and thought-provoking pieces of the project. A hanging "chandelier" used to provide the participant with a minimal light source. After much debate, the light source selected was a blue burning, 4-inch, glow stick. This was then inserted into a small (7 inch), clear plastic cylinder. The top of this was cut to allow for glow stick insertion, and then painted with black acrylic paint. The trick in all this was to have an item that could support the weight of water without adding to the weight stress of La Boite Noire. After numerous testing, the "chandelier" was fitted with fish-eye hooks and added via fishing wire that placed it at eye level and dead center.

With the entire project complete, La Boite Noire was now ready to overwhelm spectators with its size and create a spellbinding experience.

ROLL OVER IMAGE FOR CLOSER VIEW