pipelines by coryn kempster + julia jamrozik forms a vibrant graphic lattice in denver

Pipelines as a Social Installation and Environmental Commentary

Pipelines by Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster serves as both a social infrastructure and a commentary on essential water circulation systems. Positioned within Denver‘s Plaza of the Americas, this installation invites social interactions by providing a graphic lattice for visitors to engage with. The vibrant colors of the public artwork are derived from the pipes themselves, with blue, green, and pink hues representing fresh water, sewage, and grey water, respectively. This choice of color symbolizes the cyclical nature of resource management, encompassing supply, waste, and recycling. By making visible a vital yet often overlooked system, the Pipelines project challenges the prevailing attitude of taking resources for granted, especially in the face of environmental crisis and resource scarcity. To further underscore the theme of circularity and minimize environmental impact, the pipes used in the installation were returned to JM Eagle, the manufacturer, to be processed into new pipes at the conclusion of the installation.

all images by Third Dune Productions, courtesy of Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster and Black Cube Nomadic Art Museum

Pipelines public art project invites social interactions

Presented by the Biennial of the Americas under the Artistic Direction of Black Cube Nomadic Art Museum, Pipelines was a temporary outdoor public art installation created by Canadian artists Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster. Commissioned specifically for Denver’s Plaza of the Americas, the installation debuted alongside the inaugural Cities Summit of the Americas. Pipelines reflects Jamrozik and Kempster’s focus on designing ‘social infrastructures’—artworks intended to unite people and foster interaction. They employ the language of play as a tool to break down barriers, encouraging both adults and children to engage with their work. By questioning conventional spatial usage and interpersonal relationships through playful encounters, they aim to bridge generational, cultural, and political divides. Their approach sparks curiosity, invites engagement, and evokes memories, offering a dynamic platform for dialogue and connection.

Pipelines installation by Julia Jamrozik and Coryn Kempster blends art with commentary on water systems

Denver’s Plaza of the Americas hosts Pipelines, inviting social interactions through its engaging lattice design

the colors of Pipelines—blue, green, and pink—mirror the functions of water systems

blue represents fresh water, green for sewage, and pink for grey water, symbolizing resource management

through playful encounters, the installation aims to connect people across generations and cultures

Pipelines prompts viewers to reconsider the significance of water resources in light of environmental crisis

after its display, Pipelines’ pipes are repurposed into new materials, minimizing environmental impact

Pipelines advocates for responsible resource management amidst environmental challenges

Pipelines challenges conventional spatial usage and interpersonal relationships, fostering a sense of community

project info:

name: Pipelines
designer: Coryn Kempster and Julia Jamrozik | @ckandjj

location: Denver, Colorado

photography: Third Dune Productions | @thirdduneproductions

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom