I did a cool art project in college in 1976.

The concept was to create a kinetic space in an open box, with no moving parts.

It fell apart around 1985.

I thought, "I need to do that again". So here we are. Finally. In another century.

It looks a bit complicated, but it really isn't.

Let's get started.

Step 1: This Video Is an EXCELLENT OVERVIEW of Not Only How to Make It, But How It Rotates and Transforms..

Subsequent pages give you the Step-By-Step.....

Step 2: TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Starting at the top, then L to R:

7 or 8 3' long x 3/4" square cross section dowels for a 16" box. (6 or 7 1/2" dowels for a 12" box).
Fine tooth saw.
Orbital sander. Not shown. It's at my sister's.
Wood glue.
Corner clamp.
Pneumatic brad nailer and 1-1/2" brads.
Some duct tape. Always.
1 small stainless eye screw and 1 cup hook.
Fishing leader line with the little swivel thing.
....and however you want to finish it. I used leftover white paint.

Step 3: VIDEO

Here's a good how-it’s-put-together overview in video format.

Step 4: BUILD THE BASIC CUBE

Using the 3/4" square dowels and the corner clamp, create a 16" square open box. I used a pneumatic brad nailer and exterior wood glue to hold everything together.

You might want to consider painting everything before you start nailing things.....I didn't, and it got a bit cramped in there.

Step 5: FILLING THE CUBE: THE BIG PIECES

Start by inserting a sub-frame dowel about 1/3 the way across the side of the frame (about 4" to 6").
Do another on the opposite side, placed 90 degrees to the first one.
Then place a connector dowel between the above sub-frame dowels. There is only one place where the connector dowel will create a 90 degree angle with both sub-frame dowels.
If you're apprehensive about this, slap on some duct tape to hold the pieces in place. Spin it a bit. If you like it, glue and nail it.
Repeat the above on the other two pair of sides, but don't copy what you did on the first one. If you're a control freak, have a favorite beverage first and have someone else use the brad nailer.
With every step of gluing and nailing, spin it around and go with what you think looks good. It will. Trust me.

Step 6: FILLING THE CUBE: THE LITTLE PIECES

Following the rule that there is only one place where a 90 degree angle happens, place three short dowels (sub-connectors) to link between pairs of connector dowels- and yup, there is only one place where 90 degree angles will happen.
Got it? Yeah, it's hard to explain, but it's sorta cool once you get it.

Step 7: FINISHING THE CUBE

Your choice. Stain? Poly? Paint? Up to you. I used white latex because that's what I found in the basement.
The number of dowels in the box and my big hands make painting as the last step a bit problematic. Next time, I think I'll paint the dowels before assembly. Or maybe I'll try a paint sprayer.....

Step 8: HANGING

Screw in a small eye screw at the top of one corner of the cube and place a cup hook at whatever you're hanging it from.
Link the screws with the leader line.
It will catch the breeze and gently spin around creating constantly changing rectangular forms at various depths within the box.

ZENCUBE. SPACE / NOT SPACE.