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Logistics and Operations
Rough Draft Compiled by the World Peace Initiative Artist Residency 10-27-00

Preface

Each country's WPI artwork planning must allow for specific logistical and operational needs. This listing of issues is recommended for each country's consideration, and each country will need to prioritize the issues based on local situations. A very thorough logistical model must be designed in each nation. It must take into account every necessary aspect of every phase (before, during, and after the WPI artwork's creation).

1. Health & Safety

• The health and safety of workers on the project must be considered at all times. It is suggested that a specialized committee be appointed that examine daily operations. Reporting mechanisms that report best practice and incidents must be instituted. The committee must report before, during, and after the installation of the WPI artwork.

2. Food

• Good nutrition of all WPI workers must be of the highest consideration. Labor requires good nutrition. All needs must be catered to, e.g., food allergies, religious dietary restrictions, or other special requirements. Caterers must be informed as early as possible of the numbers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They must also establish a safe and clear area for food preparation and eating. Food supply is an area for possible sponsorship.

3. Parking

• The earthwork will attract a large number of visitors. Parking facilities must be considered. It is essential that parking and road access be clearly marked and meet with the requirements of local authorities. It is also advisable that any parking arrangements established for WPI not be in conflict with other scheduled events or activities.

4. Equipment

• Equipment needs for each WPI artwork will vary. Mechanical requirements may include hand tools, earthmovers, lifters, water pumps, and irrigation ditch diggers.
  • Technological need may include these:
  • GPS and radio transmission devices to be used by visitors on the site.
  • Computer (Mac or PC) to store sound files to be triggered.
  • On site computer for the opening event (an iMac would be GREAT because it includes both CPU and monitor) to show the site web page.
  • A video camera to feed the live signal from the site during the opening event. This signal could be inter-cut with images provided by a NASA satellite feed. Currently moon and earth images are streamed 24 hours a day from the public domain NASA web page (Roberto will send web page).
  • Video cables
  • Miscellaneous audio and video adaptors.
  • Power supply cables for computers.
  • Batteries for the GPS and radio transmission modules.
  • Lighting devices to light the site
  • Laser beams to add motion to the site (Lou will develop this section).

5. Facilities & Utilities [put with #'s 10, 3 & 4 as it is related]

• Facilities needed for WPI projects include meeting rooms for planning and organization, art exhibition spaces, public lecture/presentation rooms, large group meeting rooms, etc. Other needs to be included are portable toilet facilities, storage areas, and parking. We also need to consider handicapped access to the site.
• Utilities needed at each WPI artwork site may include clean water, electricity, and any other site-specific needs.

6. Authorizations, Permits, Zoning, etc.

• It is the responsibility of each country to discuss and receive permission to establish WPI artworks in concept and in reality. Permissions needed and authorities to contact will vary for each site and may include environmental agencies, government departments, zoning authorities, technological agencies, sponsors, or private and public institutions. Necessary permits or permissions should be obtained in writing and be made available for review and/or publication where and when appropriate.

6. Liabilities & Insurance

• It is the responsibility of each nation's WPI Authority to have available assurances that the public and personal liabilities are in effect through whatever sponsoring agencies from governmental to institutional insurance policies and/or waivers prior to the before, during and after activities per Earthwork. It is recommended that pro bono (free) services be sought for such assurances from appropriate legal agencies that provide such services for the not-for-profit WPI Authority.

7. Work Crews

• It is recommended that Intercultural Teams be formed (along with numerous logistical, fabrications, and maintenance teams) to help make each WPI artwork. It is recommended that volunteers be recruited from the community. Volunteers should include students of all levels (K-12 to higher education). Certain technological teams might also need to be formed, e.g., GPS consultation teams. The workloads for all teams should be assigned with approval as necessary from parents/teachers, etc. A schedule for each phase of the WPI artwork's creation (before, during and after) should be considered and the work assigned to work crews. In certain situations, funded line items should be determined if certain crews should receive compensation from the grant monies received.

8. Scheduling & Timelines

• The timing of the installation of WPI artwork and all WPI activities must be carefully planned. A timeline charting all events must be devised at the outset of the project. One method of devising a timeline is to establish the completion of the project and work backwards. As to the installation of the project, all workers must be informed of the daily operations and the amount of work to be completed each day. It is recommended that all workers receive a schedule as it insures a cohesive work force.

9. Storage & Staging Areas (Note: relates to #'s 3,4 & 5)

• As we create the artworks, we need to consider extra space we will need for staging and storage. Be sure to plan for these needs:
  • Drop-off areas for supplies like tarp, piping, seed bags, topsoil, etc.
  • Fabrication areas to cut, saw, hammer, etc.
  • Waterproof storage for electrical wiring or other things that can't get wet
  • Storage areas that are lockable for valuables and tools
  • We will need to consider storage spaces needed after the WPI artwork is completed:
  • Tool sheds for tools needed for the crops or irrigation or electrical repair equipment
  • Secured storage space for things the public needs to interact with the site, such as signage or GPS devices, etc.
  • Larger storage for riding mowers or other large equipment?
  • Replacement or maintenance items may need storage:
  • Grass seed, electrical tape, salt for icy paths, lawn care items, etc.
  • We may need to consider areas for public events preparation:
  • Helium-filling areas, etc.
  • 10. Transport

• A designated person will be in charge of transportation. The WPI artwork will require vehicles to move all equipment and materials to and from the site. Busses and/or public transportation will be used to transport members of the community and the WPI team members back and forward to their lodging.

11. Consultants (Experts: technical, agricultural, engineers, etc.)

• Technical expertise will be required throughout all phases of the project.
• Consultants in many fields including Internet design, GPS design, and will be used to construct the physical site and the cyber site. Technical consultation will be necessary in the pre production phase to interface the GPS system with satellite means of communication and create an interactive and site-specific sound environment. Installation technical support-on the field, will ensure the successful setup and completion of the project.

12. Documentation

• All stages of the WPI artwork (before, during, and after installation) should be fully documented using all available documentation technology including ground photography, low and high aerial photography, videography, digital means, web site, satellite, shuttle, space station.
• Because of climatic conditions and geography, we recommend that various documentation technologies be utilized. Documentation of each WPI artwork should occur at intervals of change (i.e. as plants grow in height or change in color or texture).
• It is recommended that documentation results of each WPI artwork be scheduled for public exhibition with full signage.
• Appropriate budget should be projected to utilize one or any of the recommended documentation technologies and/or exhibitions requirements.

13. Construction: (fabrication, prefabrication, GPS, labor, materials)

• GPS modules and radio transmission devices linked to a satellite and ultimately to a computer will comprise the GPS interactive sound environment. The construction of the interactive sound environment will require a software interface to link the GPS modules to the satellite's and the latter to the radio transmission devices and CPC.

14. Housing & Accommodations

• It is essential to determine how many WPI workers will require accommodation and for what length of time. Visiting students could be housed with families to help facilitate community involvement. Hotel/motels could be approached for free or discounted rooms to help meet accommodation needs. A camping ground could be established at the earthwork site to foster a sense of community and establish a oneness of participants living and working together.

15. Security

• Each WPI Authority will need to consider several security issues.
• Security as we create the artwork
• Secured storage area for tools
  • *determine who will have access to secured storage area and how (crew leaders have keys? Or what?)
  • *separate secured storage space may be needed for the most expensive tools, like the costly GPS units?
  • *Will we need to insure against damage or loss of some of the very expensive tools & equipment? (See also Logistics section on Liability & Insurance.)
  • *Do we need a designated lockable place for all tools? Do we need an inventory list of tools & equipment we are using with an insurance value record?
  • We may need to consider security of equipment and supplies that stay on site overnight as construction takes place like piping, palettes, heavy machinery (bulldozers, etc.)
  • Some tools need to be on site for continued maintenance. Maintenance workers will need access to hoses, buckets, wheelbarrows, etc. Do we need a lockable tool shed or a designated safe storage space? Might it be best to keep such tools separately stored from other tools?
• Site security:
  • There may be a concern about keeping unauthorized people off the site during daylight or off-hours--can we coordinate with local police patrols, asking them to keep an eye on the site? Some sites will be on private property (like Starr's), and private security may already watch the area. Other sites may be differently situated. Do we need a fence around the artwork, especially if water pools are involved? Are there any codes involved we must meet? (See also Logistics and Authorizations sections.)
• Public use brings up further security issues:
  • The public may use equipment, such as GPS systems. Where will we store these when not in use? How do we assure no one walks away with one? Do we need insurance on such high priced items? (See also Liability section.) Do users need to leave collateral of some kind?
  • We may need to designate specific public access hours at some WPI sites (such as those on private property). Will video monitoring or night security staffs be necessary?
  • We will need special security measures at large public events at the artwork sites.
  • We may also need a plan for emergency situations such: as an injury, a lost child at a public event, an emergency medical situation, etc.

16. Site Maintenance (trash, cultivation, general care, irrigation)

• Once created, the WPI artwork will have to be maintained.
• Perhaps school groups, prison groups, and/or other organizations or groups of volunteers could take care of some of these needs.
• Cleaning of litter:
  • Perhaps volunteers, grounds crews, and the inclusion of well located trash receptacles within the artwork can keep litter need for trash removal to a minimum.
  • Regular trash pickup and trash pickup after events needs to be arranged with locals.
  • Growing plants:
  • Timed plantings, pruning, and shaping may require quite specifically trained workers and will likely happen less frequently than basic weeding and watering.
  • Weeding, mowing, and irrigation or watering will likely not need such specific training and will likely be able to happen on a very regular schedule.
  • The site of the artwork itself will need regular monitoring to be sure all is secured, growing or performing on schedule, and in order (See also Security section):
  • Some elements such as lighting, solar panels, or contained areas of water may require maintenance or an electrical or mechanical nature.
  • Certain equipment will need to stay on site to permit regular maintenance. Such tools may include small gardening tools like hoes, hedge clippers, etc. or larger tools like riding mowers and irrigation equipment.
• Weather-Related Maintenance:
  • Weather patterns may need to be monitored so any necessary protective steps can be taken.
  • Storms or temperature changes may mean we need to cover, tarp, sandbag, or otherwise protect delicate plants or other equipment (especially electrical).
  • If repairs are needed because of storm damage, vandalism, or equipment failure, we will need personnel or plans or budget to enable repairs.
  • The web site will need regular maintenance (See also Public Relations section):
  • Sorting through users' responses or contributions
  • Updating images as the earthwork grows or changes
  • Keeping events schedule updated, etc.

17. Site Communication

• Equipment:
  • As we create the site, we may need cell phones, laptop computers, modems, access to e-mail, fax capabilities, perhaps walkie-talkies, megaphones, whistles (??) or other devices as well.
• Practical considerations:
  • We'll need a phone numbers listing with us of everyone we need to contact.
  • We'll need a local phone book.
  • We may need e-mail addresses, too.
  • As we create the artwork, we need to consider how the day's tasks and goals are communicated to all the workers. (See also Work Crews section.) Will they be posted? Xeroxed & handed out? Given to crew leaders?
  • Well planned communication will promote efficiency.
• Languages:
  • We will need interpreters for all those who do not speak the local language. It is crucial that goals and procedures taken on by the work crews are totally understood by all. (Things may need to be explained in several languages.)
  • We should have a back-up list of interpreters in case an interpreter is ill or unable to attend.
• Reporting:
  • We may want to communicate some things live as they happen, either as the artwork site is created or as public events are going on. To do this we may need a live camera or live feed to get things to TV or our web site or …??

18. Administration Operations:

• It is recommended that each country designate its local WPI Authority as a not-for-profit body. Its committed and responsible leaders would provide the administrative leadership and management to develop the WPI artwork. The WPI Authority would include a Project Director and PR Officer with a staff implementing the components of the WPI artwork. The WPI Authority could become the spokesperson or could select a spokesperson (see also Spokesperson section) for the promotion of that country's WPI artwork. All five WPI Authorities would form an administrative liaison necessary to exchange, collaborate, and coordinate the functions of each WPI artwork through each phase of its execution (before, during, and after installation).

19. Plan for Dismantling WPI Artwork & for Follow-up

• When the WPI artwork project closes at each site, we must consider duties that will arise:
• Cancel any insurance policies
• Fill out any final grant reports
• Compile documentation data and update web site
• Go through some sort of evaluation process
• Put the site back in proper order (dismantling, leveling, replanting, clean up?)
• Return any borrowed or rented equipment
• Thank groups and people as necessary
• Pay any bills

World Peace Initiative: Position Paper

• Design Recommendations
• Public Relations
• Logistics and Operations
• Educational Recommendations
• Educational Objectives--Composed by Albion, Michigan, USA area educators