

The Big Hammock
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA
Public Art Installation
Completion: 2010
Project Overview
A dynamic and high-profile installation at The Greenway in Boston. The Big Hammock created a unique way for the community to interact with and experience the urban and historical settings.
Project Team
Hansy Better Barraza
Anthony J. Piermarini
Andy Wise
Ruth Bohn
Michelle Mizioch
Myla Tak
Chelsea Plumb
Carlos Villamil
Jesen Tanadi
Taijasa Jordan
Allie Surdovel
Antonia Better-Wirz
Ann Woods
Eun Joo Kim
John Carli
Kate Cho
Stefan Di Leo
Phillip Glenn
Christine Tan
Structural Engineer
Structures Workshop
Photography
John Horner
Public Production
A Living Performance
Innovative Material Use
100% Recycled Pet Rope
Hammocks in the Arts
Cultural History







About the Big Hammock
at Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
The challenge in creating The Big Hammock was to construct an expansive hammock as not only a sculptural expression, but also as an interactive installation that expanded the public’s understanding of craft and production. BR+A+CE designed and developed the hammock, which was woven by local artisans out of 100% recycled PET rope. The rope measured 2550 feet (warp) and 1728 feet (weft), for a total of 4278 feet – more than five times longer than the Boston Hancock Tower is tall. A self-supporting steel frame suspended the hammock three feet off the ground. The installation facilitated a unique way for residents and visitors to engage with the urban and historical settings, creating a common social ground where an individual’s weight, size, and position could interact in concert with other bodies.
BR+A+CE: Building Research + Architecture + Community Exchange is a 501(c)3 non-profit community organization co-founded by the Principals of Studio Luz Architects. The Big Hammock project was donated to BR+A+CE in order to be brought to other public sites.