This Public Art Installation Could Soon Illuminate BQE's Not-So-Pretty Underbelly

Samantha Shokin

Published Sep 18, 2012

Modified Sep 18, 2012

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Samantha Shokin

Published Sep 18, 2012

Modified Sep 18, 2012

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Since we last checked in with them in December of last year the interdisciplinary design group Artist Build Collaborative has found a way to take the icky noise pollution on the BQE and convert it into something beautiful and otherworldly—in a utilitarian sort of way. The Silent Lights installation will be a "series of sculptural gates" lining the pedestrian path under the expressway, which light up with varying intensities and colors in reaction to the sounds of traffic overhead.

To recap, here's a bit about the project, from the creators:

Silent Lights is an installation that uses surrounding traffic noise under the BQE and converts it into light, providing safety and beauty to a neglected pedestrian path. It will also be used as an educational platform for local teens through Red Hook Initiative, introducing them to the fields of interactive, architectural and lighting design through workshops given by local professionals in these fields. The teens involved will also have the opportunity to create their own smaller scale projects, replicating the technology used in our installation.

So far, the collective has accrued $14,800 in donations from the New York City DOT, the Brooklyn Arts Council, the Awesome Foundation, and the Designers Lighting Forum of New York (DLFNY), and is just $5,200 short of reaching their goal. This Thursday, you can help make this magical concept a reality, by attending a fundraising party and contributing your beer money to this wonderful cause.

The party will be held at The Green Building at 452 Union Street in Brooklyn, from 7 to 11 pm, and will feature two live bands, DJ, refreshments and raffle prizes. Attendees will also be among the first to feast eyes upon the gate prototype. Tickets are $50, $100, and $250, and can be purchased here. And here are some conceptual images of the project: