Prize(s) Winners in Outdoor Light Art Installation
Company Zinkon Creative Studio
Lead Designers Ardra Zinkon
Client Edwards Companies
Photo Credits Ardra Zinkon, Jason Flakes
Completion Date June 2023
Project Location Columbus, OH, USA
Entry DescriptionIlluminating an ephemeral sky-high sculpture suspended across a busy downtown intersection featured a complex set of challenges. The suspended public art piece stretched an impressive 229 feet with varying hanging heights across the massive span. In addition to the complexity of scale, luminaire mounting locations posed additional challenges as optimal aiming locations were unavailable (due to the project's location suspended over an active intersection). Coordination with the adjacent buildings and approval from the city's historic commission had to be obtained with minimal impact to the buildings. The entire project was privately funded and has been donated to the Museum of Art for curation and care of the permanent installation. Lighting controls utilized wireless DMX to ensure fixture communication between buildings creating a mesh system for unified cue-ing. The lighting concept emphasizes the concept for the piece itself, illuminating the flow of ever-changing choreography. The shape is reminiscent of a wave as it heads toward the riverfront area of downtown. The color scheme matches both the red brick, prevalent in historic parts of the city, as well as bringing in the blue tones of the water itself. The luminaires are color changing and by subtle shifts of color, the sequences create a heightened feeling of movement and soft waves headed toward the riverfront.
Sustainability ApproachSignificant care was taken in regards to luminaire mounting and the historic nature of the buildings. Fixtures were attached at mortar joints to preserve historical integrity of the facades. Fixtures were shielded to minimize undesirable glow. Lighting Controls ensured strict lighting schedule with dusk to 11pm on "Workdays" and dusk to Midnight on weekends.
Company DescriptionProfessional lighting design