Reef is modeled after a nebulous aquarium. As building guests walk past their movements activate tropical fish within this digital marine landscape. The artwork uses motion and reflection to draw in colors from its environment. Splashes of light triggered by micro-controlled sensors create subtle disturbances in the artwork’s array of LEDs. 840 silicon bronze reflectors slowly twirl in opposing directions. They redirect light from the LEDs while drawing in hues of orange from the nearby terra-cotta tiles and daylight from the building’s frontage on Hudson St.

Some of Krugman’s most impactful aesthetic experiences came during interaction and immersion in marine environments. An avid fisherman as a child and young adult, Krugman was frequently entranced by the interactions between water and light in the marine environment. Reef uses LEDs and bronze discs to mimic water’s ability to bend and redirect sunlight.

Client: Jack Resnick & Sons
Architect: FX Fowle
Completion: Milgo Bufkin

Process and Fabrication

Krugman compiled sample materials and made several prototype to determine the optimal materials for creating the LED strands. Ultimately copper-plated steel rods were chosen because of their straightness and solderability. A differential signal protocol was used for data. Hierarchal controllers broke the system into sections allowing for low-latency. UL-listing was obtained for the installation after completion.