SEVEN STARS: OUROBOROS
Studio: HNZLR
Production: Monkey Jean
Client: 100x / GRiZ
Site: Arrington, Virginia
Concept: Ouroboros Temple of the Dawn
SCOPE:
creative direction
principal design
technical direction
computational design
fabrication management
build direction
PROJECT OVERVIEW
As principal designer and creative director for the Seven Stars Ouroboros Stage, I originated the concept, parametric form logic, structural methodology and technical design. The project was made possible through production leadership by Monica Fernandez (Monkey Jean), whose coordination, advocacy, and operational support facilitated full realization at festival scale.
GRiZ and 100x trusted HNZLR to design a bespoke performance environment embedded deep within the crystal-lined oak forest of Arrington, Virginia. The landscape’s natural energy shaped the conceptual direction from the outset. What began as a speculative exercise in spatial possibility grew into an immersive, materially honest architectural installation, achieved through a belief in what could be built.
STRUCTURAL CONCEPT
The installation comprises five primary structures:
a fully 360° stage
timber tower (x2)
front-of-house (FOH) mezzanine
crowd-facing mezzanine (2x)
parametric DJ booth
All elements were formed using a algorithmic stacked-timber methodology innovated in Grasshopper, supported by an internal ModTruss core. This hybrid structural strategy allowed nuanced massing while meeting speed, strength, and safety requirements. In addition, the DJ booth was developed as a separate application of computational massing logic – fabricated from stacked plywood using a Grasshopper-generated system, derived from the same architectural principles as the primary structures.
event footage - lighting activation
CINEMATIC CONCEPT RENDERING
CINEMATIC CONCEPT RENDERING
HNZLR presents live Unreal Engine scenes during client reviews, alongside high-fidelity CAD models with custom aesthetic display modes.
These real-time, in-house visuals are instrumental in confirming concept viability and articulating design intent to adjacent teams.
Clients gain agency by interacting with evolving environments: suggesting prop adjustments, evaluating lighting scenarios, and experiencing spatial transformations live on call.
HNZLR is artistic vision meeting technical execution.
GENERATIVE AI CONCEPT IMAGERY
HNZLR’s process embraces any tool that serves the vision, and generative AI has become an essential part of his workflow. Alongside live CAD and Unreal modeling, his highly curated, branded pitch decks feature bespoke imagery generated specifically for each client - visuals crafted to capture moods and atmospheres that no existing reference could fully convey. These custom images resonated immediately with the Splash House founder and leadership team, becoming a key catalyst in aligning our vision for the project’s future.
TECHNICAL DRAWING
TECHNICAL DRAWING
Having garnered over a decade of industry draughtsman experience, HNZLR develops meticulously precise technical drawings to specify design intent to vendors and fabrication teams.
These drawings were praised by Coachella’s Art Department for their clarity and attention to detail, leading to a continued collaboration aiding their Coachella art installation builds with improved drawing accuracy.
PHOTOGRAPHY
All photos taken and edited by HNZLR.
