Project of the Month: Growing A Metal Tree

From buildings to bridges, metal is often used to create elaborate man-made structures and architectural feats. But in the hands of artists like Ryan Longo, metal can be used to create something a little more natural.

“Reactor” is a 15 foot tall, curvy, tree made of steel sheet metal, rods and mesh designed and built by Ryan and a small team in Toronto, with some help from Metal Supermarkets Etobicoke. The LED lights that line the interior of the structure reflect off the painted purple / green chrome finish. Known for several party-deco pieces, Ryan’s goal in creating Reactor was to bring people together in a space for reflection.

Many of Ryan’s designs blend a natural aesthetic with industrial materials; Reactor is no different. One of the largest projects Ryan has undertaken, he began designing Reactor in late 2015, and it was finally unveiled at Burning Man in August 2016. Ryan estimated that the cost of the project would be about $10,000, but seeing the final project lit up under the night sky certainly makes it worth it.