Born from the union between biology, material science, mathematics, engineering and textile research, Jenny Sabin Studio’s interactive installation Lumen is composed by over one million yards of digitally knitted fibre forming 250 hanging tubular structures as well as 100 robotically woven recycled spool stools and a misting system that detects visitors’ proximity.

Inspired by an idea of lightness, playfulness and interaction, its architecture is socially and environmentally responsive and morphs along the course of the day: the structures are able to feel and adapt to density of bodies, temperature and sunlight, and the textiles, which display delicate hues by day, start glowing at sundown.

These unforeseen features have made Lumen installation in MoMA PS1’s courtyard the perfect setting for the 20th season of Warm Up, the museum pioneering outdoor music series and one of the most interesting exhibitions held during the second edition of the New York Textile Month.

The project is also the winner of The Museum of Modern Art and MoMA PS1’s annual Young Architects Program, that in its 18th edition has offered emerging architectural talent the opportunity to present innovative design projects based on the challenge of creating a temporary outdoor installation that could provide shade, seating space and water and would at the same time address environmental issues being sustainable and recyclable.

Laura Sbaragli
 
www.jennysabin.com