MoMA PS1 has announced its choice for the annual Young Architects Program and this year, museum patrons will be able to sit under a canopy that is responsive to light and darkness.
“Lumen,” the project created by New York-based architect Jenny Sabin, is a”socially and environmentally responsive structure that adapts to the densities of bodies, heat and sunlight.”
In the morning, participants will be sprayed with cooling mist and the canopy will act as shade from the heat. At night, the structure will provide light. The system was digitally knitted and robotically woven out of recycled textiles and photo-luminescent and solar yarns that have the ability to absorb, collect and deliver light.
“Lumen” is reactive; when a person comes in close proximity with its cooling system, fabric stalactites release mist to help create a “refreshing micro-system.”
Everything is woven using similar fabric, including the woven recycled spool chairs that will be peppered throughout MoMA PS1’s courtyard. Creating the canopy and accompanying parts required several disciplines including coding, materials science and engineering.
“Through direct references to the flexibility and sensitivity of the human body, ‘Lumen’ integrates adaptive materials and architecture where code, pattern, human interaction, environment, geometry and matter operate together as a conceptual design space,” the artist’s website read.
Sabin runs her own experimental architecture studio in Ithaca where she works with scientists, engineers, artists, architects and designers to “explore the intersection of architecture and science.”
The Young Architects Program challenges architects to develop an original design for a temporary outdoor installation at MoMA PS1 that provides shade, seating and water. Around 50 firms are nominated every year and a panel of judges chooses the winner.
“Lumen” will make its debut on June 29 at 22-25 Jackson Ave. and will be available for patrons all summer.
To view a video detailing the design process for the project, click here.
