CyArk seeking $15k by May 31st to digitally capture 1964 World’s Fair NY State Pavilion.
CyArk has launched its first Kickstarter project for the 3D digital preservation of the 1964-65 World’s Fair New York State Pavilion’s Tent of Tomorrow and Astro-Towers. The Kickstarter platform allows members of the public choose projects of interest to them, pledge their support, and receive unique prizes based on their pledge level.
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The World’s Fair Pavilion is a significant site at risk and by partnering with the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training, CyArk will be able to digitally preserve the site for only $15,000. But this goal must be reached before May 31st.
The 1964-65 World’s Fair was the last of the Great Fairs to be held in the United States. The Tent of Tomorrow and its Astro-Towers embodied a fantastical vision of the future. Sadly, the Pavilion has lost much of its former grandeur over the years. The colorful fiberglass panels from the Tent of Tomorrow were removed in the 1970’s and time and weather have contributed to further deterioration. Debate now surrounds the future of the pavilion, whether it will be restored and reused, or whether it will be demolished. The importance of the site is validated by its inclusion on the World Monuments Fund Watch List and its recent status as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in honor of its 50th anniversary.
CyArk is on a mission to digitally preserve the pavilion before its too late. The data the organization captures will serve as a permanent archive of the structures and can be used in any future restoration efforts. The resulting data will also be made available to the public via their website. They have already been granted site access permissions from NY City Department of Parks and Recreation. Now they are calling on members of the public to help underwrite the cost of sending professors and staff into the field to document the structures. They have a goal of $15,000 to cover basic costs of field work and initial data processing.
To pledge, visit the World’s Fair Project Kickstarter page.
