Families that made the arduous Western migration to California during the 1930s also made big bets that the fruitful land would support them. The Internet boom 70 years later had much the same appeal. In both cases, there were big winners and big losers. One can argue that in both cases, fortune-seekers were following their Manifest Destiny. But today, in the wake of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, an art installation in downtown San Francisco forces passersby to consider, through an architectural symbol, what it all meant, and what's been left behind.

Manifest Destiny! is a year-long public art installation comprised of a tiny, one-room cabin, made from wood reclaimed from a barn, that is anchored to a downtown hotel, and suspended over a restaurant in one of the few spans of open air between buildings. The point of the art project is largely left to the viewer's own mind, but the artists were making a pointed commentary on the economy, the housing crisis and the notion that Americans are supposed to be able to make their way in the world if they try hard. It's our destiny, after all.

The unused, unaccessible cabin floats above the reality of life in this expensive city, where thousands are homeless or at least struggling to keep a roof over their heads. The Hotel Des Arts -- at around $100/night for a room, it's also unaccessible to the downtrodden, but downright affordable for downtown SF -- acts as the canvas for the floating cabin.

Acting as host to the art installation was a no-brainer for the arts-focused hotel, which courts travelers who have a soft spot for pop art. Many of the hotel's rooms feature wall-sized murals done by local and emerging artists. And, reports the Bay Citizen, some guests have even inquired about whether they can stay in the floating cabin (they can't, of course). At night, a solar-powered light glows inside the cabin, giving it an eerie look.

The hotel will host an opening reception on February 18 where the artists -- architect and designer Jenny Chapman and Mark Reigelman, a conceptual designer -- will give a talk about the project.

The installation was made possible by a grant through The Graue Family Foundation and San Francisco's Southern Exposure Gallery.

Image: Cesar Rubio, Courtesy Southern Exposure

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com