Photographer: Eduard Hueber / ArchPhoto, Inc.
"The museum presented a problem their entry lobby lacked a core experience reflective of their contemporary mission. This site-specific light sculpture was our solution, marking a new era and igniting the majestic circular stair at the heart of the museum's historic interior. Now, visitors congregate on the seating underneath the sculpture, and are drawn up the stairs into the spaces above while watching the dynamic moiré pattern of lights unfold.
Conceived as a perfect circle in elevation, the sculpture is in dialogue with the symmetrical interior so old and new are joined in one experience. Entering the building from Fifth Avenue, the lower area of the circular volume is visible, then, as one ascends to the second floor, the full form emerges. Moving vertically, the optical effects inherent in the geometry of a uniform spatial grid (6' on center) generate an array of dynamic patterns. In a way that the Museum has not seen in years, the public is engaged - sharing their experience with others.
Initially seen as bright and boldly sculptural, up close it becomes delicate and ethereal, illuminating the space without glare. Resisting current trends that add color to LED's the white form has a profound presence. Connection points (over 5,000) are engineered to create the utmost abstract simplicity. Each light diode is constructed from double-sided circuit boards, on which white LED chips are mounted. The use of naked (non-lensed) chips provides the most precise point of light available. Working with a local fabricator, the installation itself was completed in only a few days.
This state of the art technology uses minimal energy, generates virtually no heat, and will last for years without replacement, and by encouraging the use of the stair in place of the elevator, the sculpture promotes healthier and more energy efficient use patterns."
Links:
- https://vimeo.com/95849544
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