Luke Blackstone Triclopse (model) Created for the Saddle Ridge Tri-Services Facility in Calgary, Alberta Completed project materials: bricks, stainless steel, air blowers, glass, crankwheels, mechanical linkages completed project dimensions (approx): 18 ft. X 4 ft. X 15 ft. scheduled installation--May, 2011

A commonality of the three services operating in the Saddle Ridge Tri-Services Facility is the historical use of the siren as a means to alert the community. The sound of the siren is universally recognizable and is generated simply by directing a stream of air through holes that rapidly open and close. Most siren sounds today are produced electronically, but previously they were driven by electric motors or even hand-cranked. This artwork involves three aesthetic but functional sirens that invite the viewers to operate as described below. Three aluminum discs are mounted on top of the brick columns. The colour of these discs symbolically represent each of the three services: white represents the Medical Service, red represents the Fire Department, and copper represents the Police Department. The discs are linked by belts and pulleys to a crank-wheel mounted on the front of the central column. When the wheel is cranked by an interested viewer, all three discs will rotate at the same speed. Holes are drilled along the outside edges of the discs and an air nozzle is mounted in a way that directs a stream of air through the holes as the disc rotates. Thus, a soft and gentle siren sound can be produced, with a pitch that depends on the speed of rotation and the spacing between the holes in the disc. The intent is to design the spacing so three harmonious notes are produced for any given disc speed. Each disc requires a stream of air, thus three belt-driven air blowers are mounted behind the discs. Mounted on each column are hand-cranks that drive a blower. Thus, a total of 4 people are required to fully operate the mechanisms, symbolizing the need for the communities’ involvement with this facility. The stainless steel framework on the top of the bricks not only strengthens the structure, but also provides a means to unite the three columns and to support the glass canopy. The curved sections suggest the outline of three eyes; thus title for the work is Triclopse, referring to the three services relentlessly watching over the community, ready to respond to any emergency.