Inside/Out is an interactive public art light installation created by Ivan Toth Depeña for the Pit Arena at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. Inside/Out will enliven the building through a dynamic nighttime light display programmed to convey the excitement of activities held at the facility.
"The project is inspired by the idea that architecture can be a living, breathing organism that gets injected with life as it is inhabited by its visitors and, in turn, projects the energy that takes place within the structure outward into the city itself. Conversely, the structure incorporates the characteristics of its surroundings during the evening hours..." explained artist Depeña.
During Lobo games and special events, the interior of the building is revealed on the exterior. This means that all of the noise that is made during the game or event is captured and directly represented on the exterior of the building in real time via the dynamic quality of the lighting. The LED lights are connected to a microphone/sensor near the seating at the Pit and the activity of the crowd is tied to the colors displayed on the glass tower light installation. The exterior of the building will be responding to the noise levels that occur within it ("see "Inside" section of this video for visualization/simulation).
Additionally, the lighting is programmed, down to the minute, to respond to the environmental/color conditions of the sunset time frame. The intention is for the architecture to have a direct dialogue with the landscape, horizon and the site's general environment. Given the location and site conditions, Depeña thought the "Outside" portion of Inside/Out should become something that integrated itself into the surroundings. He was inspired by New Mexico sunsets and the brilliant colors that are revealed during the magical ending of the day. He wanted there to be a ritualistic discussion between the natural and the artificial. This sunset mode will be different each evening just as the incredible sunsets of New Mexico are never exactly the same.
Artist: Ivan Toth Depeña
Aerial Video: Jennifer Sensiba
Other Video Contribution: Matt Oberer MATTOPHOTO
Programmer: Dan Henry
Lighting Manufacturer: Insight Lighting
Design Intern: An Chen
Music: Arvo Pärt