torafu architects: crystal aqua trees at tokyo's SONY building

‘crystal aqua trees’ by torafu architects at tokyo’s sony buildingall images by daici ano

torafu architects has sent designboom one of their latest projects – an illuminated sculpture entitled ‘the crystal aqua trees’ installed in SONY square, the outdoor event space of the japanese electronic company’s building tokyo building. the work was created as part the ‘ai no izumi’ (fountain of love) charity drive that has been held by SONY every year since 1968 – with the sculpture informed by the trevi fountain in rome, mimicking sprays of water. the interactive artwork responds to the movements of people via sensor camera, causing the pillars of light illuminated by LEDs to change color – with music also playing in harmony to the vibrant spectacle. in reference to the fountain concept – whenever coins are deposited in the crystal donation box placed in front of the square, the installation responds by switching to a special performance.

the lighting installation is informed by the trevi fountain in rome

mini monoliths compose the sculpture

general view of ‘crystal aqua trees’ in SONY square

pillars of light change color

visualization of torafu architect’s ‘crystal aqua trees’ installed at the SONY building in tokyovideo courtesy of SONY

project info:

principle use: exhibition siteproduction: nomurakougeishacredit: planning・production: sony pcl inc. / image・interactive production・sound: wow / technical direction: luftzugbuilding site: ginza tokyo sonybuilding 1F, sonysquaretotal floor area: 40.6m2design period: 2012.09 – 11construction period: 2012.11.29 – 12.02duration: 2012.12.03 – 2013.01.14