
2022
ARBORETA
LUFTWERK
CAST AND EXTRUDED ALUMINUM, CUSTOM PROGRAMMED LED
320 S CANAL ST, CHICAGO, IL
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GOETTSCH PARTNERS, RGB LIGHTS INC, LAUFS ENGINEERING DESIGN, TRIO FOUNDRY, ALRO, PARADIGM COATINGS, MJ ERECTORS
Created by the artist duo Luftwerk, Arboreta is a light sculpture that provides an intimate transitional experience for those passing through the busy streets of downtown Chicago. Located in the breezeway of a newly constructed 50-story tower designed by the architectural firm Goettsch Partners, Arboreta ushers its visitors away from the chaos of downtown Chicago and into the quiet of a public green space.
Composed of more than 1,000 individual programmable LED lighting nodes, Arboreta beckons those navigating the city’s streetscape to the respite of nature. Moving images of wind blowing through leaves, clouds in the sky, and sunlight filtering through foliage animate the sculpture further enhancing its geometry, reminiscent of tree branches. The two assemblies sprawl through the aerial space of the breezeway spanning 30′ by 150′.
First image by John Faier Photography, rest by Vector.