Commissioned by Miami-Dade Art in Public Places, with assistance from the City of Aventura, “Arc” is a stainless steel sculpture created using wind data from Hurricane Wilma to reinterpret the natural force that destroyed the original library on the same site during the storm in 2005.

“We are very excited to help bring this symbol of rejuvenation to the city of Aventura,” said Miami-Dade Art in Public Places Curator and Artists Manager Brandi Reddick. “As a Miami native that has experienced the destructive impact that a hurricane can have, Ivan understands that the process of rebuilding can be difficult, but he is also sensitive to the fact that rejuvenation can come from the very forces that caused destruction. While creating ‘Arc,’ he became determined to use the natural elements of wind and air to generate a new ‘life’ on the site and turn the focus towards rebuilding.”

I studied and tested the wind data in various forms prior to choosing the sculpture’s curvilinear form. The sculptural form was developed in plan, section and elevation using the wind speed, direction and duration during the block of time that Hurricane Wilma made landfall and passed through the area of the site. The 2-dimensional drawings created during this rigorous process were used to subsequently develop comprehensive, 3-dimensional computer models. The final sculpture was engineered and fabricated directly using the specific computer model that Depeña developed in his studio.

The sculpture’s lighting will be activated by a wind sensor (anemometer) on the roof of the library. Using a custom hardware and software combination, the wind data information is being used to control the lighting of the work at night. Slower winds equal cooler colors, while stronger winds reach into the warmer spectrum. The wind’s direction is subtly revealed through color waves and pulses moving across the sculpture according to the current speed/gusts. The overall effect is a mesmerizing visual representation of an otherwise invisible natural force.

In addition, we created a mobile application that uses augmented reality to interpret current wind data and overlay real time, curvilinear animations onto the sculpture itself using the camera from a mobile device such as a phone or tablet.

By combining dynamic forms and materials with cutting edge technology, ‘Arc’ provides an inspirational foundation for the future and a symbol of rejuvenation. The project also provides the community of Aventura and North Miami with a sought after destination to view groundbreaking art.

Project Credits:
Photography/Rendering: Ivan Toth Depeña, Zach Balber, An Chen
Commissioning Agency: Miami-Dade Art in Public Places
Interns: An Chen, Erin Kelly
Fabrication: Demiurge
Software: Dan Henry