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The Project
Large leaf-like luminaries in the heart of Cleveland’s Theatre District.
“ChorusLine Luminaries” is a recently installed public art project for Cleveland’s Playhouse Square and The Greater Cleveland Rapid Transit Authority’s Euclid Corridor. Stephen Manka, of Manka Design Studio and a Cleveland native, was commissioned by RTA through a competition of over 75 national and local competitors.
The installation consists of five enormous, “leaf-spring” sculptures assembled in a kicking “chorus line” arrangement inspired by the theatric qualities of Playhouse Square. The Manka Design Studio enlisted the talents of Moritz Wood and Metal for design refinement, fabrication and installation. Lighting support was provided by Alloy Products. Manka explains, “The fabrication team swelled to as many as eight hard working, diligent individuals who sensed that this was no ordinary project.”
The Goal
Spring the “Chorus Line” sculptures in to life with energy-efficient color.
Manka’s vision of the five, 22’ tall, stainless-steel sculptures was to arrange and spring them into a “chorus line” of kicking light patterns. “With Playhouse Square as the stage,” notes Manka, “the sculptures become a strong actor. The light patterns will change frequently for the seasons and special events. I hope the installation can become something of an accessible public instrument of light, where the public can be the programmer.”
The Choice
CK/Philips iColor FLEX SLX system.
Manka chose a Color Kinetics system consisting of 40 iColor Flex SLX strands, controlled by the CK Light System Manager. The total lighting network consists of over 2,000 energy-efficient, durable, and long-life LED’s. Manka went with the iColor Flex SLX because of “its ability to be programmed for remarkable illuminated effects and most resembled the light bulbs of a historic marquee.”
The Result
A “wild” success reconnecting Cleveland’s Theatre District, RTA, and its citizens.
“While it was not with some struggle, we were amazed by the end result. We continue to improve those results with more interesting programming,” comments Manka. It was important to Greater Cleveland RTA to connect the sculpture with the experience of the transit rider and citizens of Cleveland. The installation was strategically lofted above the pedestrian waiting station platform. During the day, the brushed stainless finish reflects the blue sky and the movement below creating what seems to be wispy calligraphy. At night, the sculptures emit wild color and transforms into a sculptural marquee amidst the collection of historic marquees that make up Cleveland’s Theatre District.
-Sarah Marie, April 30, 2009
About Manka Design Studio:
Formed in 2005, the focus of Manka Design Studio is public art and urban design. The firm often investigates the role of public art and our collective experience. Manka Design Studio specializes in urban installations which land somewhere between architecture and sculpture. These site-specific concepts are derived from a contextual understanding of place and a desire to dredge the phenomenon that defines a place.
Stephen Manka
Urban Designer and Public Artist
Manka Design Studio
216.212.5900
www.mankadesignstudio.com
Michael Moritz :: Moritz Wood and Metal :: (330) 678-8307
Josh Zahler :: Alloy Products :: 1-800-236-6603
Philips/Color Kinetics :: www.colorkinetics.com
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800-893-9787
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