Arc
Ivan Toth Depena

PROJECT PROFILE:

Artist: Ivan Toth Depena
Title: Arc
Materials: Stainless Steel
Fabrication + Installation: Demiurge
Engineering: KL&A
Location: Northeast Regional Library, Aventrua, Florida

Demiurge worked with artist Ivan Toth Depena to fabricate and install Arc which is located at the Northeast Regional Branch Library in Aventura, Florida. The library was demolished as a result of damage from Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and the commissioned project uses the wind data retrieved from NOAA during Hurricane Wilma’s landfall (speed and direction) to generate a sculptural form. The idea of transforming something negative into something positive and learning from the environment create the project’s conceptual foundation. The piece was commissioned as part of the Miami-Dade Art in Public Places program and is tentatively scheduled for installation this fall.

From Artist:
I studied and tested the wind data in various forms prior to choosing the sculpture’s curvilinear form. The sculptural form was developed in plan, section and elevation using the wind speed, direction and duration during the block of time that Hurricane Wilma made landfall and passed through the area of the site. The 2-dimensional drawings created during this rigorous process were used to subsequently develop comprehensive, 3-dimensional computer models. The final sculpture was engineered and fabricated directly using the specific computer model that Depeña developed in his studio.

The sculpture’s lighting will be activated by a wind sensor (anemometer) on the roof of the library. Using a custom hardware and software combination, the wind data information is being used to control the lighting of the work at night. Slower winds equal cooler colors, while stronger winds reach into the warmer spectrum. The wind’s direction is subtly revealed through color waves and pulses moving across the sculpture according to the current speed/gusts. The overall effect is a mesmerizing visual representation of an otherwise invisible natural force.

In addition, we created a mobile application that uses augmented reality to interpret current wind data and overlay real time, curvilinear animations onto the sculpture itself using the camera from a mobile device such as a phone or tablet.

By combining dynamic forms and materials with cutting edge technology, ‘Arc’ provides an inspirational foundation for the future and a symbol of rejuvenation. The project also provides the community of Aventura and North Miami with a sought after destination to view groundbreaking art.