A digital art piece composed of LED screens and acrylic lenses brings inspiration to a new life-science building in MassachusettsWhat happens when art, algorithms, acrylics, science, screens and lighting all combine? An ever-shifting multimedia art installation emulating patterns found in nature from sea coral to leopard spots, of course. Located in the lobby of the first life-science building at Boynton Yards in Somerville, MA, Observer Effect is meant to inspire and energize new guests and regular visitors alike. “The artwork sits at the threshold between public space and research laboratories. It both represents the work of the scientists in the building to the public, and reframes and celebrates the work for the scientists themselves,” says Wes Thomas, associate director of SOSO, the design team on the project. The installation was commissioned by Leggat McCall Properties; the physical component of the installation—acrylic lenses—were custom made in collaboration with the design team and Midton Acrylics.
The five vertical LED panels greeting guests display color-changing animations of patterns such as wind-blown sand dunes and turtle shells.
Photo: Anour Esa
A reaction-diffusion algorithm allows the digital graphics to shift, overlap and constantly change. Images separate and recombine in unpredictable ways.
Photo: Anour Esa
Refractive acrylic layers positioned over sections of the screens distort and amplify the patterns as visitors move. The visual outcome is a play on the up-close observation of life through optical scientific instruments.
Photo: Anour Esa
The result is a display in which no two moments are ever the same.
Photo: Anour Esa