Staplefield
Aluminum, wood, acrylic, nylon, electronics, software
Public Art Commission for the Park Creek Metropolitan District
Central Park Recreation Center
Denver, Colorado
Software: Peter Kennard
Electronic hardware: Kiboworks
Completed 2011
Staplefield is a 7’ diameter, 6’ high interactive artwork that senses activity within a community recreation center. Acting as a sort of digital mirror, the piece translates the physical effort of occupants into a constantly changing three dimensional image.
Suspended in a central atrium, 35’ in the air, staplefield can see and be seen from almost anywhere in the building. 24 long distance motion sensors are located along the top outside edge of the piece. These sensors are aimed at the various specific locations where activity regularly happens within the center. A remotely located computer analyzes this data and uses it to produce a corresponding animation that is then mapped onto the piece. 2,160 individually addressable multi-color LEDs arranged in a cylindrical volume allow for complex and subtly living imagery that directly relates to the environment.
The piece is constructed of an aluminum and plywood hanging frame which supports the considerable amount of electronic hardware located on top. A mirrored surface is mounted to the bottom of the frame and reflects the LEDs when looked at from below. Hanging from the mirrored surface are nylon threaded rods with custom made three-arm LED circuit boards.
