[Leica] IMG: Guess what this is - the answer

[oliverbryk at comcast.net (Oliver Bryk)]

George wrote:
"a lamp
Regards,
George Lottermoser"

Vince wrote:
"I was thinking some kind of sundial. But I also realized if you built a
small fire underneath it you might be able to get it to float around in
there.
My first thoughts, along with others above, was in the Buckminster Fuller
direction. Then in the beehive direction. So clearly great minds think
alike.
Indeed I was thinking today, if I had an M8, I'd want that 28mm Elmarit or
the Summicron (there's a 28 Summicron yes?). I think it's a perfect fit with
the M8.
Vince"

Per wrote:
"A Native American tribute to Buckminister Fuller?
--Peter"

Douglas wrote:
"A geodesic beehive?
Douglas"

Thank you all for commenting and participating.

The object is an Owl Dome by Taalman Koch Architecture, one of a series of
site-specific installations for the "Presidio Habitats" project:

  http://www.for-site.org/presidioHabitats/commissioned.php  .

"Owl Dome is a minimalist habitat that merges the vernaculars of tepee and
geodesic dome structures. The design of the dome simulates the type of nest
that an owl might occupy within a tree trunk. An aperture allows the owl to
enter and nest within the dome, well protected from natural elements. At a
height of sixteen feet, Owl Dome affords protection from predators and
serves as an ideal hunting platform for its resident. The hemp rope wrapped
around the tripod support is designed to provide an easy grip for fledgling
owls. Not unlike the tepee to which it alludes, the Owl Dome was designed
for rapid installation and flexible placement."

I saw it on Saturday while exploring the Presidio's newer trails. I
purposely did not photograph the structure from the side that shows the
opening; it would have given the game away that occurred to me the moment I
saw the dome.

Oliver

PS: Regarding Vince's musings about the 28mm Elmarit: when I acquired my M8
two years ago I also acquired the 28 as a 35mm equivalent. I could not
justify the additional $1K of the Summicron, and I have had no cause for
regret. I bought the 35mm and 50mm Summicrons with my M6HM (pre TTL) when
that camera came out about ten years ago. My 24mm Elmarit, bought a few
years later, is also a great lens.