Kern Planning Commission OK Was Unanimous

Retired aircraft can face a wide variety of fates, from being salvaged for their expensive components, as in the case of the 747s acquired by Stratolauncher, to being left for decades in desert graveyards. But one Boeing 727 will be buried 38 feet below the surface of the Mohave Desert to create an unusual work of art.

Bakersfield.com reports the Kern County Planning Commission voted 3-0 last week to allow Swiss artist Christoph Buchel to dig the big hole on his property near Boron, CA, connect it to a parking lot through a 400-foot tunnel, and to bury the plane in a manner which will allow visitors to reach it underground. The engines and fuel will be removed, and new electrical, plumbing and ventilation installed, and the interior will be left looking like a typical airliner cabin.

Structural engineer Derrick Roorda, who's helping Buchel with the project, read a statement to the board last Thursday which says the artist "creates hyper-realistic environments that are, in essence, like walking into a mind at work," and has developed "an artistic sensibility that allows layers of social and political commentary to permeate within a uniquely contemplative space."

Cornelia Providoli, a Buchel representative, answered environmental impact concerns raised by Arthur Unger, a Sierra Club member, at last week's hearing. She explained that since each visitor must have an opportunity to explore the artwork in an environment that is as private as possible, and "in the silence of the desert," only 15 visitors per week will be admitted. The plane's restrooms will be converted to work with a septic system installed at the site. Unger also wanted solar panels installed as a roof over the parking area.

Commissioner Pete Belluomini calls the project "the most unique thing I've had to look at since I've been doing this." Buschel's plan includes leaving the surface of the desert above the old plane looking just as it did before the dig. The work of art will be titled "Terminal," and while the planning commission may have had its questions satisfied, there will still be fire safety and other requirements to be met.

FMI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christoph_B%C3%BCchel