Chosen as the 2024 Burning Man Pavilion, “The Other” by Jen Lewin invites participants into a whimsical journey of exploration and play. Featuring eight gracefully curved, canyon-shaped tentacles, this interactive installation offers stairways and ramps that lead to various vantage points. As you move through its sweeping pathways, you’ll experience the infinite possibilities of exploration, never quite reaching a destination but instead discovering the beauty of the spaces in between. Gaze outward to The Man and The City, or inward to connect with fellow explorers in this dynamic, ever-changing landscape.

The concept for The Other is deliberately crafted around eight distinct tentacles, each possessing its own independent perspectives: inwards, outwards, upwards, away, and towards. Rather than fixating on a singular ‘center,’ participants are encouraged to navigate, meander, and explore each area individually, fostering a sense of discovery that would be unattainable if they were interconnected. This concept prioritizes exploration.

For those inclined towards gathering, the design also utilizes negative space—the center, beneath the structure, remains open for congregation, featuring interconnected benches and seating. This aspect underscores the interplay between interior and exterior spaces. It’s about form, but equally about the spaces in between.

The Other was made possible by the amazing Man Build Crew, and their talented and incredible build team.

Lighting Design and light animation made possible by the amazing talent of @ Mark Slee.