Seaport Welcomes Internationally Renowned Public Art Installation

BOSTON—An internationally renowned public art installation recently arrived in the Seaport. WS Development has transformed Seaport Common into a lively interactive art experience, Seaport x Impulse. With twelve illuminating and sound-producing see-saws, Seaport x Impulse creates a whimsical playground, offering visitors the opportunity to beat the winter blues through creative light therapy while exploring how architecture can visualize sound.


The see-saws form units of light and sound that can be activated and played by the public to create a temporal, ever-changing public event. When activated by users and inclined, the see-saws, connected to LED lights and a speaker, augment in light intensification and emit a sound sequence, animating Seaport Common. When not in use, the see-saws stabilize and remain at a lower glowing level. Research suggests that the changes in light exposure alter levels of the hormones melatonin and serotonin, which help regulate mood and sleep.
 


Seaport x Impulse was created by the award-winning artistic team from Toronto’s Lateral Office with Montreal-based CS Design in collaboration with EGP Group, also based in Montreal, with Mitchell Akiyama at the sound design, Generique Design at the mechanical design and fabrication, and Robocut Studio at the electronic design and fabrication. Touring multiple cities around the world, including London, Brussels and Chicago, the internationally acclaimed project was first inspired by the iconic cover of the Joy Division album “Unknown Pleasures”, as well as Steve Reich’s serial, minimal music which plays with repetition, rhythm and syncopation.
 
“Seaport x Impulse speaks to the Seaport’s innovative and collaborative spirit while offering an opportunity to bring the neighborhood together. As we continue to welcome new residents and businesses to the Seaport, our latest interactive installation is another new way to celebrate our neighborhood’s sense of community. We invite all ages to come outside and enjoy this uplifting activity,” lauds Yanni Tsipis, Senior Vice President, Seaport, WS Development.


Ultimately, the project stands as a testament to the growing vibrancy of the Seaport region fostered by the influx of businesses and new residents. The project is open for viewing on Seaport Common (85 Northern Avenue) now through April 16, 2018. More information can be found at www.bostonseaport.xyz.

Yanni Tsipis