Column Coil

Headlands research: Oroboros of alternating current

2014

residency research, prototypes, maquettes, experiments in electromagneticks and architecture

dimensions: variable

materials: diverse

A looped extension cord plugged into a custom three-headed oroboros cable generates an intense fluctuating electromagnetic field. In-situ iron columns become powerful electromagnets and cube-shaped magnets placed in the field dance erractically. Surprisingly chaotic behaviours emerge in response to the regular oscillations of the 60 hertz AC signal. The cable is internally wired in such a way that the normally parallel ground, hot and neutral lines of the extension cord are joined end-to-end in series, forming a long, returning coil within the cord, somewhat like a snake feeding on its own tail.