College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
General Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in General Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor
Karla Carichner, College of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Department
Additional Advisors
Jim Widmann, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department Vladimir Prodanov, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
The Interdisciplinary Senior Design Team “Flying Flora” from Cal Poly’s College of Engineering has been tasked with designing and building a wind-driven dynamic metal sculpture for the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. The botanical garden wants to fill a large, centrally located vacant space with a kinetic sculpture to attract and welcome visitors. The final design, as approved by the garden’s directors, features a large metal California poppy below a stained-glass and metal butterfly. The flower rotates smoothly in typical wind conditions, drawing the attention of visitors to the sculpture. The butterfly is stationary, positioned at an angle from the sculpture’s center, to juxtapose the flower. The sculpture is designed to withstand exposure to the elements, is made of locally sourced and scrap materials, and it was installed at the botanical garden on June 5th, 2025.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/842
Project Video
ME_2025_Poster.pdf (2478 kB)
Project Poster
ME_2025_CDR.pdf (3130 kB)
Critical Design Review