The curtain wall lights here know the weather

A new lighting device “sensing change” evokes the mottled light and shadow of people passing through the tree through the animation effect, bringing soothing energy to the building’s terrace.

Weather and art have always had an interesting relationship. John Constable’s cloud research is obsessed with capturing the changing sky. The famous British art critic John Ruskin once said: “The sun is delicious, the rain is refreshing, the wind holds us up, and the snow is exciting; there is really no bad weather, only all kinds of good weather. ‘A new large installation in Chicago brings weather and art closer. In fact, it depends on the weather.

Sensing Change is a data-driven lighting grid that responds to local weather.

The LED light grid created by ESI Design constantly creates new visual effects based on sun exposure, rain, temperature, and other natural events. The purpose of the installation is to establish a better connection between nature and people experiencing change. The installation occupies the entire side of the building at 151 North Franklin Street in downtown Chicago. At 95 feet long, you won’t miss public artworks at night or during the day.

To create weather-sensitive artwork, ESI Designs has developed an algorithm that can transform Chicago’s temperament and changing weather into a two-dimensional dynamic experience. The end result is calm artwork, which causes reflection and relaxation in the hustle and bustle of the city. Oh, and there are sensory changes. If it does not reflect the city’s most notorious weather feature: wind, it will not be complete. In addition to the elements, the wind in the area also acts as a “destructive layer superimposed on the basic state.” Therefore, you really can’t miss the nickname of Windy City.

ESI Design’s work is not the only artwork that can directly respond to the weather, although it may be the latest information on local weather. Nathalie Miebach is another artist working on weather. His work began in 2004. In response to early research and considerations on climate change, Miebach is striving to find a better way to understand the vast amount of information published in the world. Therefore, she began to weave baskets, essentially explaining the severe climate issues and turning them into tangible things. In a 2011 TED speech, she explained that she chose to weave because of the similarities between it and the chart, so she used a lot of data. Since the start of her weather series, she has set about solving natural disasters such as hurricanes and creating scores around the weather.

Highlighting the world’s environmental problems through exhibitions is another way to link art and weather. Since this year’s Venice Biennale, climate change has been an outrageous topic, inspired by private galleries concerned about rising temperatures and public museums with exhibitions of works to combat climate change and works of artists.

The LED grille with brushed metal fins and vertical light bars form a textured structure that can support the growth of ivy on the wall. Lattice and vines will jointly create unique technologies that coexist with nature. The design feels both organic and contemplative, reminiscent of the feeling that trees are active and calm when passing through dappled light.

The light installation has two different media modes. The real-time wall mode reacts to local weather data, reminds people to pay attention to the effects of the sun, temperature and precipitation on plant life, and ensures that the animation remains fresh and interesting over time. The special event mode allows building managers to program specific color and animation styles for Chicago celebrations and local events.

The result is an experience of peace and reflection in the concrete jungle, drawing inspiration from the natural world around us.