Impulse, a temporary installation of 30 illuminated seesaws and nine accompanying light projections, was originally on view from November 2015 through January 2016 as part of the city of Montreal’s annual winter celebration called Luminothérapie. The competition-winning scheme was a collaboration between Toronto-based Lateral Office and Montreal-based firms CS Design and EGP Group.
The interactive project, set up on the Place des Festivals, sought to create a space for “urban play.” The seesaws (designed in two lengths: 18 feet and 24 feet) are made of a clear polycarbonate tube, a light diffuser, and an aluminum extrusion profile in which LED strips and speakers are fitted. The seesaws were programmed to react to motion generated by a person, and then respond by emitting sound and light. While at rest, the seesaws are illuminated but less than when they are in motion. When visitors sit on the seesaw, the system is activated and produces a randomized sound sequence and more light. Through this dynamic interchange of light and sound, activated by the ever-changing flow of visitors, the design team transformed the Place des Festivals into a lively public space.
Montreal hasn’t been the only city to benefit from this public lightwork. The brief called for projects to incorporate a modular design so they could be reassembled for other events in other cities around the world.
Jury Comments
Beautiful. • The multiple design elements create a sense of movement. • Creates a fantastic setting for public engagement.
Details
Project: Impulse, Montreal • Client: Partenariat du Quartier des Spectacles de Montréal • Architect: Lateral Office, Toronto • Structural Design: EGP Group, Montreal • Lighting Designer: CS Design, Montreal • Lighting Team Members: Conor Sampson, Anne-Marie Paquette • Sound Artist: Mitchell Akiyama • Mechanical Design and Fabrication: Generique Design, Montreal • Electronic Design and Fabrication: Robocut Studio, Montreal • Photographer: Étienne de Massy • Project Size: 324 square feet • Project Cost: Approx. $223,000 • Watts per Square Foot: 7.65 • Code Compliance: Canadian National Electrical Code • Manufacturer: Natech, Mean Well
