Design for UCL's standalone large-scale letters 2023
→link:UCL News
This installation serves as a dynamic tribute to UCL, fusing aesthetics, sustainability, and functionality. Inspired by the university's colors, the interplay of blue and purple across the stainless steel structure embodies UCL’s innovative spirit. The choice of stainless steel, known for its recyclability and resilience, highlights a commitment to sustainability and enduring design, suitable for outdoor placement and public interaction. The work invites engagement, as its robust form supports leaning or sitting, making it a versatile space for social and individual experiences.
The LED strip lighting, tracing the edges of the letters, is not merely decorative but purposeful, transforming the sculpture into a beacon of visibility and a symbol of enlightenment. By illuminating the contours, it reflects the pursuit of knowledge that UCL represents. However, the integration of technology raises questions about energy consumption versus the artwork's sustainable ethos, prompting reflection on the balance between technological enhancement and environmental responsibility.
At 1.5 meters in height and 1 meter in width per letter, the installation’s scale commands attention, challenging traditional notions of campus art as merely decorative. It invites viewers to consider the evolving role of public art in engaging communities, fostering dialogue, and bridging the gap between artistic expression and sustainability.
©Yiwen Li 2024