Algorithms transform Chicago scenes into trippy lobby art
Office lobbies are prime spots for corporations to make statements about their values and taste, yet "lobby art" is usually a shorthand way of saying "insipid crap." However, an art installation studio called ESI Designs has given a Chicago office building a much more interesting, experimental and local take on it. Called " Canvas ," it's a 14- by 23-foot LED display installation that generates moving paintings based on video from the Chicago River and Navy Pier amusement park rides. "The daily motion of Chicago 'paints' the pictures into place at 515 North State," said ESI's Senior Designer Ed Purver. ESI Designs created the installation at 515 North State, the first US skyscraper created by Pritzker award-winning architect Kenzō Tange . The building used to be the home of the American Medical Association, but now touts "best-in-class connectivity," rooftop honeybees and organic gardens. The brutalist-style gray lob...