“How does a house end up 100 feet in the air?” That’s the question many ask when they first see Building 7 at UC San Diego. Building 7 isn’t just any building. It’s home to Fallen Star a unique artwork by Do Ho Suh.
Fallen Star is more than a sculpture. It’s a three-quarter-sized replica of a house in Rhode Island. It’s perched atop Jacobs Hall also known as Engineering Building 1. This incredible structure is cantilevered from the seventh floor.
Imagine the feat of engineering. In the fall of 2011 this 70000-pound house was carefully lifted. It was then attached to Jacobs Hall at a precarious angle. The house is built at a 10-degree angle different from the building’s 5-degree angle.
Inside Fallen Star you’ll find a homey atmosphere. There’s worn furniture family photos and everyday items. It feels strangely familiar yet disorienting. Because the house is at an angle everything feels off-kilter. Some visitors even experience vertigo.
But the view is breathtaking. From Fallen Star you can see the entire UC San Diego campus and the Torrey Pines mesa. It’s a remarkable juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary. The familiar comfort of a home combined with a thrilling sense of height and precariousness.
Birds and bees visit Fallen Star’s garden regularly. The garden features a plum tree wisteria vine and even tomatoes. The artwork is truly a vibrant ecosystem. Even at night lights flicker and steam simulates smoke from the chimney.
Fallen Star explores feelings of displacement and the concept of home. It’s a powerful piece that connects with people’s experiences. Many students find it especially resonant. They’ve left their homes to pursue their education. Fallen Star offers a reminder of home’s significance.
So as you stand before Building 7 remember this isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to art engineering and the enduring search for home. It’s a captivating experience that will stay with you long after you leave.