CONvergence decor: USS Discovery EVA Pod

In keeping with the "space" theme of the 2007 CONvergence science fiction and fantasy convention, I was contracted to design and build a decorative facade for the main stage entry way. I engineered this interpretation of a set from 2001: A Space Odyssey which included the interior of the USS Discovery hangar bay, a rotated EVA pod with the hatch open, and the infamous HAL 9000 computer.

The back wall was concave, and had to allow for a permanent sign which protruded from the ballroom wall. The hangar deck was comprised of painted Duron sheets which worked well. The pod itself was a very difficult shape to produce. Not only was it tough to create a sphere, but the hatch had to be ADA compliant, and the entire structure had to blend seamlessly with the concave back wall.

The HAL computer had the creepy glowing red eye, and a screen that showed animation and footage of the USS Discovery and her crew. The computer also recited system diagnostics in that unmistakable calm voice, captured directly from the original film.

All of the parts were fabricated offsite, built in a modular fashion, and had to clear a standard man door. I managed a large crew of non-professional volunteers to complete this project, and considering the challenges, I'm very pleased with the results.