When you first walk into TED2012 Full Spectrum at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, you might not notice the thousands of strings strung between the stairs on the second and third levels. It’s a hazy rainbow colored mist. As you get closer, however, it begins to undulate and swirl, and you realize that each layer of color is made of dozens of carefully strung threads, all aligned and strategically spaced.

 

 

It turns out, they had to work with structural engineers to make sure that the collective tension of the strings wouldn’t compromise the structural stability of the stairs. It’s a reminder of the power of the many, what can be achieved when you get lots of energy working in concert. The power of collaboration, if you will.