InPark Magazine: When the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) wanted to attract more people to the shops and businesses of State Street they weren’t sure exactly what type of experience they would create. They knew, however, that they wanted a unique placemaking installation that drew on the latest technology available.
9 comments:
Being both from Chicago and having worked with DesignLab in the past, I found this article interesting. It's cool to see local shops involved in improving the city atmosphere. I can also say that I've seen the installation in person and it really is pretty amazing. The fact that they had to deal with problems like limited power and wireless controls make the end result even more impressive. I would love to see this project expanded and Chicago made even more beautiful.
This installation seems really interesting, incoperating a classical Chicago feel with new and modern technology is really interesting. There was a lot of people who worked to put this together and that is something really impressive. Adding this like this to a city makes things just seem nicer, I am hoping that I can make it out to Chicago and see this.
Just looking at the first picture, it looks so cool and it definitely makes an awesome effect that will attract more people. However, looking at the second picture, I get confused of the scale of these lights. The lights in the first picture seems so overwhelming that it almost create a whole new environment in nights of Chicago, whereas lights in the second picture does less. However, I agree this is a creative project and also an innovative project that used latest technology, but it will cost so much money if they will try to add more to the streets. It almost reminds me of small versions of Urban Light in LACMA. I hope that this DesignLab company continues seeking for pleasing people's eyes.
The lights, when lit in darkness, look interestingly like LEDs with frosted plastic covers. But it mentions flexibility, are the 'reeds' themselves flexible? Or was it a metaphoric adjective for the adaptability of the piece? Regardless, this and DesignLab in general sounds interesting and I hope to check it out sometime.
I've been to Chicago a few times and love the city tremendously! I think this project by DesignLab, is really interesting and a testament to the role art and architecture plays in the city of Chicago. This installation will definitely be an intriguing new aspect of the Chicagoan landscape, allowing for greater civilian involvement and intrigue. Im also excited to see how the reeds will adapt and change color in response to the people walking by on the street. This project has so much potential! I hope to see amazing results and critiques from the people of Chicago!
Something like this was done in my hometown mall. Ironically, it looks like the trees that are currently installed in the Chosky. To attract people to the new part of the mall, a company similar to DesignLab was brought in. They put up "trees" with hanging metal "leaves" and created a soothing light show. Standing under the "trees," you can see the "sunlight" moving through the "branches." Long story short, this kind of attraction really works and my bank account can prove it. What also makes this article cool is the fact that they used installation art to attract people who are not coming specifically for the art. Coming off our Line and Form projects, this article really shows me how art can be used in a variety of ways, not just "for art's sake."
Although we are around lights everyday whether in a building, show, or outside, there has always been something about colorful lights that captures our attention. I think it is great that DesignLab has created this installation for Chicago in order to help beautify the city. Furthermore, it is quite impressive how they have accomplished this so thoroughly with sound as well on a limited power source!
Having recently visited Chicago I remember seeing this and liking it a lot. As somebody who has seen it I can honestly say that they completed what they had intended, and they did it well. Walking up and down state street at night has a much different feel with these lights that provide a nice change to the standard streetlights that provide light to the rest of the city.
BRILLIANT! Using art as a way to draw people in to consumerism is an idea i can totally get behind! Not only is it helping out the economy but its giving people a reason to both appreciate art and go out and spend money!
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