A Lantern for the City
The ArtsUnion Beacon aims to create a symbol for Union Square that celebrates its multicultural and artistic richness while creating a landmark for Somerville and the city. The concept developed out of the analogy of a cultural quilt stitched together by different local culture’s ornamental patterns. We found this idea to represent the qualities that make this community a desired place by artist and immigrant alike.
O Z I I O is also interested in creating not just a representative beacon, but a way finding device that relates and enhances the urban context, as our interest and passion for design rest in improving the urban experience. For this reason our proposal includes a system for lighting the beacon from the inside making its patterns visible at night, and acting as a lantern for Union Square. Another reason we proposed interior lighting stems from concern about energy use and potential lighting contamination. The essential idea is to be able to exhibit the beacon and its design as a landmark that also helps orient pedestrians night and day.
.jpg)
left.jpg)
