Iridescent Prismatic
CLIENT: Hou De Sousa
LOCATION: Georgetown
Designed by new york-based studio hou de sousa, ‘prismatic’ is a kaleidoscopic experience of light, color, and space that frames a myriad of perspectives. the piece is unique on all sides, encouraging the public to explore the exterior, as well as meander through its translucent ‘streets’. the installation consists of iridescent cords weaving between a light-weight steel lattice, and gaps between the cords providing transparency, while also producing a dynamic visual effect known as a moiré.
As visitors turn their gaze or walk about the space, patterns in the background and foreground continuously converge and de-laminate, resulting in the perception that static surfaces are somehow in motion. the form and space of the sculpture are sub-divided by a juxtaposition of geometric and contextual factors.
The design process occurs in three phases: first, a box is cellulated by prisms radiating from a central point, followed by the echoing of contextual features, such as the outline of the water fountain and existing pathways, as well as the potomac river, which then split and spread the box apart. the result is a diverse array of apertures and perspectives, collectively focused on a central core, but shaped by one’s vantage point and relative position from within or outside the sculpture.
The project was assembled in Brooklyn by Serett and designed to fit onto a single 46 feet flatbed truck to be transported to georgetown waterfront park for its opening at georgetown GLOW outdoor art exhibition on december 1st. the rebar lattices were welded together, painted, and then interwoven with the iridescent cord. the result is a sturdy structure with an appealingly low ratio of weight to volume.