kenya hara + noiz architects install reflective artwork at tainan city museum of art

kenya hara + noiz architects have co-designed ‘shadow in motion’, an art installation at the tainan city museum of art in taiwan (see more on the museum here). exploring the concept of a 4-dimensional graphic design, the artwork translates the ever-changing sunlight into a dynamic spatial experience thanks to the array of vertical louvers with reflective surfaces that make up its structure. specifically, the installation consists of three layers of thin strips of aluminum plates, arranged in continuously-rotating angles, unique in the way they form an optical device which adjusts the reflective directions of light and brightness of each plate.

all images by kyle yu

for the design of ‘shadow in motion’, noiz architects collaborated with hara design institute, who was also responsible for the visual identity and signage of the tainan city museum of art. the installation links the underground parking space with the ground level, unfolding around an oval-shaped staircase. though the artwork is in itself static, its interaction with sunlight makes it possible to experience specific visual patterns. arranged at various angles, its louvers create a moiré effect that changes based on factors of weather, time and an observer’s movement.

the installation’s interactive effect required a highly precise design process in order to calculate the numerous patterns of movement path and speed, in addition to the moving sunlight. as such, the two design offices used a game engine and a 3D-laser scan of the site to create a real-time visualization of the project. ‘the site data was processed with an accuracy with less than 1mm error in every direction, while the game engine allowed the design team to verify dynamic visual effects, responding to changes on viewpoint moment and direction of light sources that are impossible to work based on still-rendered images,’ notes noiz. ‘the project is designed to provide an intriguing experience of emerging from an underground space through a dialogue with one’s own movement and natural light.’

project info:

name: shadow in motion

architect: kenya hara + noiz architects

location: tainan city museum of art, tainan, taiwan