The Dichroic Light Field’s light responsive surfaces display diurnal and seasonal cycles in a complex interplay with the site's urban context, offering an iconic spatial expression of the neighborhood.
DICHROIC LIGHT FIELD
NEW YORK CITY, USA
1995
BackImages
VIEW LOOKING NORTH ALONG COLUMBUS AVENUE
BOUNCED LIGHT FROM ADJACENT BUILDINGS ACTIVATES THE GLASS PLANE
THE DIFFUSED GLASS PLANE CAPTURES THE FINS' IMAGE AND THEIR SHADOWS, REFLECTIONS, TRANSMISSIONS AND REFRACTIONS
THE FINS' SPECIAL COATING AND POLISHED ENDS PROJECT A RANGE OF PHENOMENAL EFFECTS ONTO THE GLASS SCREEN
THE COMPLEXITY OF LIGHT IN THE URBAN CONTEXT IS REVEALED BY THE ARTWORK'S SYSTEMATIC SIMPLICITY AND RESPONSIVE MATERIALITY
Description
The Dichroic Light Field reactivates a city block, imbuing it with color and light by replacing a blank brick façade with a diffused vertical plane of mirror glass and horizontal coated glass fins. The artwork breaks down the monolithic character of the façade, transforming it into a dynamic illusion of depth. JCDA analyzed the installation’s specific location and contextual topography to create a design that would register those changes and map the local urban fabric.
The artwork presents a wide range of effects, which under certain conditions are layered simultaneously. These effects also change in appearance as one passes by. For example, in direct sun when seen from the north the field ranges from pale green to indigo, and simultaneously from the south, it ranges from gold to magenta. Whether subconsciously or consciously, the artwork places you in a temporal and spatial state of mind.
Client: Millennium Partners
Architect: Handel & Associates