This fall, Mississippi State University’s Department of Landscape Architecture created a new temporary sculpture in the department’s courtyard.

This is the fourth year a temporary sculpture has been built in the department. The process of constructing the sculpture allows faculty and students to work together. 

Generally, the sculptures stay up for a full year. This year’s sculpture, “The Dome,” will be displayed until fall 2016. 

Cory Gallo, associate professor for the department of landscape architecture, worked with five other students for about a week to complete “The Dome.” 

This year’s piece is 6-feet tall and 14-feet wide. It is composed of small wooden planks. Some of the wooden planks were recycled from last year’s temporary sculpture, which was made of old drawers. 

Gallo said his inspiration for this project was partially to create a good, visible representation of the department, but also to allow students to have a hands-on opportunity.

“I was looking for ways to create more three-dimensional projects for our students and to increase the dialogue between students about design, reclaimed materials and construction techniques,” he said.

His idea for “The Dome” came from a trip he took with several students earlier this semester. The group traveled to Atlanta to visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden where they came across a special lighting exhibit by Bruce Munro. 

Munro’s piece was a dome called, “Light in the Garden,” which is composed of hundreds of miles of optic fiber. 

Gallo said “The Dome” was modeled after Munro’s piece, replicating its shape as well as its illumination. The true similarities can be seen at night.

“This year’s piece is also lit at night creating a lantern effect,” he said.

Each year, Gallo speaks with students to gather ideas regarding the next temporary sculpture. He said the questions usually spark interest in the students, and then, the interest turns into them making it happen. 

Gallo said the sculpture is ultimately based on passion because it was built by volunteers, meaning it is not tied to a course assignment. 

The department of landscape architecture also holds a photo contest. The contest determines the best photographer of “The Dome,” and it can be found on the department’s Facebook account.

“It was another way to get other students involved and thinking about what could happen in the future,” Gallo said.