I chose to create a light installation in the Carnegie Library. I wanted to enhance the environment by adding a whimsical, unobtrusive element to exist with the beautiful architecture.
The name “The Carnegie Lights” comes from the Northern Lights (also known as Aurora Borealis), which is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.
I was inspired by the Seattle Public Library’s use of pattern and repetition. The library is a fun, exciting space that people want to experience time and time again.
I started my research by looking at different examples of kinetic light sculptures.
Swarm Light https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pag8INKl_I
Fluidic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ3vqfdIToo
Crystal Chandelier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Wp25xLo84
I had to be careful though because I did not want to compete with the architecture of the building. So, I designed a transparent, hovering orb whose light would pulse and whose movement would slightly rise and fall. The tone I wanted to communicate was calm and curiosity.
Orb I created in Adobe Illustrator
Here’s what it looks like with an overload of orbs
Here’s what the actual amount would be
I really enjoy the current environment of the library, so it was difficult for me to think of something new that could improve it. However, I was really surprised at the emptiness of the library, so I felt that an installation like this would become an attraction and highlight the importance of public libraries in our society. The lights communicate the tone of a library. They are very quiet, but they also have an underlying tone of wanderlust and discovery.
Environments Track 