softlab: polyp.lux

‘polyp.lux’ by softlab all photos by alan tansey

developed for flash:light 2011 – festival of ideas for the new city, ‘polp.lux’ by new york city-based studio softlab, is an installation that hung within the entrance of st. patrick’s catholic school at the corner of prince and mott streets in the busy metropolis.

the piece was designed to light up this entrance way for an evening event. the sculptural work was generated through a gravity driven process in which three funneling forms of varying depths hang downwards. the surface contains more than 1400 battery powered LEDs, installed onto the mylar panels which make up the form, flickering and blowing in the wind with the intention of slowing down traffic through the experience, engaging and encouraging visitors to co-mingle and interact with the work.

up close

details of the mylar, acrylic and LED components

profile view of the LEDs

the installation during daylight hours

the installation by night

form diagram 1

form diagram 2

form diagram 3

axonometric diagram

diagram of how lighting components are fastened to the mylar panels

project info design team: carrie mcknelly, inessah selditz, michael szivos and elliot white installation: carrie chang, andrew chen, caitlin duffy, rich ericson, jeff geisinger, brandt graves, ayaka hales, david hecht, genevieve hoffman, mike kelberman, simon kristak, matt lake, avery max, owen nichols, chris niederer, geetha pedapati, julia schleppe, john schlueter, austin smith, chi tam, felisia tandiono, alan tansey, and joan tom materials: mylar sheets, acrylic, conductive thread, LEDs, lithium batteries area: 250 square feet