Aurora

City Streets, Northern Lights

James Sears, Anne Hong

An exploration of the Aurora Borealis brought to an urban setting.

http://www.annehong.com/itp/livingArt/livingArt12.htm

Classes

The Nature of Code, Living Art

Keywords

generative, light, lamp, street, urban, aurora, led, simulation, pattern, borealis, art

Description

Housed in a powder coated metallic art piece created by Ron Sears and based around a retro-style streetlamp, Aurora brings the beauty of the Northern Lights to the city using mathematical sequences to produce generative patterns in a model of the Aurora Borealis. These timeless patterns are brought to life via an array of modern LED lighting projected through a custom designed acrylic refraction system.

Personal Statement

This is my most prepared piece and by far my top priority for show
entry. Hundreds of hours by Anne, my father, and myself have gone into the fabrication of the
electronics and the enclosing piece.

Background

The user scenario is a simple viewing of the beautiful complex light patterns, which are controlled on and off by a touch sensor. The inspiration was a blend of the urban style of a classic streetlamp with the timeless natural beauty of the Aurora Borealis.

Audience

Anyone and everyone.

User Scenario

A viewer can spend many minutes appreciating the construction and creativity as well as watching the changing light patterns. At first they appear repetitive but over time it becomes apparent that they do not simply repeat (actually they have an extremely long repeat period) making long-term viewing and appreciation enjoyable.

Implementation

The frame is made of steel, ballasted by an antique cast iron street grate which is highlighted in the design by artful placement and additional lighting.

Additional Documents