The model train is officially hip and eco-friendly. No, really! Leaving the realm of your Dad’s garage behind, one geek-ily cute metropolis has found a home at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers. The display, called “Golden Gate Express,” features miniature replicas of several major San Francisco landmarks. And the entire set is stunningly fabricated by Figureplant out of recycled materials.
The TransAmerica Pyramid is decked out in keyboard buttons. The Ghirardelli Tower is made from light switch plates. Coit Tower is miraculously crafted from venetian blinds. And of course, the Ferry Building, the home of the city’s most famous Farmer’s Market — is lovingly crafted from forks, spoons and chopsticks.
While you’re gazing deeply at the intricate Golden Gate Bridge, you can enjoy the company of volunteer docents, who, in true geeky glory, are decked out in conductor costumes. The exhibition is certainly an excellent example to Bay Area culture: forward-thinking nerd chic.
The exhibit features two model trains: one passenger and one freight, which chug past a landscape of blooming flowers and miniature plants in addition to the eco-landmarks. Most of the ingredients of the city were culled from a few local reuse-supply powerhouses like SCRAP and Building REsources– where artists, designers, hobbyists, and crafters in the search for that just-right piece of junk to transform into something beautiful. The tiny “trash city” will be on display at the Conservatory of Flowers until April 19th.
+ Figureplant
+ SF Conservatory of Flowers
