Molecules
Client: Canal Convergence & City of Scottsdale
Location: Scottsdale, AZ - USA
Service: Design, Fabrication, Installation
Date Installed: 11/2024
Molecules is a series of five interactive water molecules rising up from the Arizona Canal that come to life through the interactions of its users and the surrounding environment in Scottsdale, Arizona. The installation is meant to showcase that much like our communities the water within the canal is created by a series of interpersonal connections between neighboring elements coming together around conflicting reactions. Molecules was developed as an open-ended play experience talking about the climate crisis and our personal impact on the environment around us. The work allows people to look at how their individual response or action can impact a larger reaction, and when we can work together with our neighbors it generates an even larger reaction.
The utilization of the work and its reflection of light and sound as a component of play helps break down social barriers and allows people to connect and converse on a sometimes-uncomfortable conversation within the space. Having users think about the water below and where it is going, who owns it, and how precious it is.
“We love how Molecules was both engaging during the day as well as at night!”
The piece contains 5 sets of water molecules so a total of ten hydrogen and five oxygen atoms floating above the canal. Each molecule reacts to its user, the surrounding context, and the interactions between them by providing a playful opportunity for discovery. During the day the work responds to the natural light by shifting and changing colors based on the angle in which it is viewed. Each panel takes on the identity of a screen reflecting the motion of the landscape and people passing by. The molecules line the edge of the canal allowing for people to get close to the work and play with their reflections within the icosahedral spheres’ unique mirroring of color and light. At night, each molecule is illuminated from within by LED lighting that responds to visitors’ voices. An interaction point located at each molecule indicates where people’s voices can begin to shift and change the lighting of the work, highlighting the reflection one’s voice has on the environment around them.
“The work looks like it is alive through the reflections of the water and surrounding environment!”
As people talked, sang, and yelled at the interaction point, the work would begin to talk back; people began to share their stories, tell it their dreams, yell out their frustrations, and even sing songs to the installation. Looking across the canal, people could see the conversations from afar as the lights pulsated and changed colors based on the volume and tone of their voices. It began to transform the edge of the canal into a spontaneous place for people to converse, connect, dance, sing, and play together.
