Commissioned by the Department of Cultural Affairs in Los Angeles, this public art project is an aquarium-like bioreactor inserted into the facade of a loft building at street level. It contains algae colonies that produce oil through photosynthesis.
The ‘aquarium’ is made of thick transparent acrylic molded with intricate relief, as if vacuum-formed over the internal armature. The internal armature is lined with tuned LED lights in varying colors and intensities to support algae growth at different developmental stages, while producing visual delight.
The aim of the project is not to simply promote engineering advances or express material processes, but rather to create a sense of surprise and wonder around new technologies by decontextualizing them and amplifying their alluring, visceral qualities.
Client: Dept. of Culture and the Arts, LA (DCA)
Type: Public Art Installation
