Before December 31, 2011
The transformation of the Place des Festivals is done quickly. The canvases are set up in place in just one day. In an instant, the spatial dynamics of the square change. The vertical component becomes as important as the horizontal treatment of the ground. The canvas surface supports and amplifies the power of the intentions that the designers of the square had with regard to the megastructures: to contain the square, to give it a spectacular three-dimensionality.
In terms of scale, it is immense: 10,000 square feet of colored surface. Maximum effect is achieved with a minimum of means, a simple thin, semi-transparent, finely openwork canvas. A trained eye could recognize the diverted use of these canvases that cover the scaffolding and that are usually printed with advertisements or reproductions of the facades they cover. This time, in visual terms, it is a purely chromatic work, colored fields that contrast with the gray of winter. When evening comes, powerful projectors light up the canvases in a targeted way. A simple white light that amplifies the colored nuances. A lively and joyful surface that gently undulates in the wind.
At the stroke of midnight
After a flash of white light of maximum intensity that underlines the passage to the new year, the work suddenly becomes cinematic and sonorous. Some kind of extremely colored moving sails start to go through the canvases in a fast and unpredictable way. One instantly recognizes the fascinating and rarely observed phenomenon of the aurora borealis. A typical presence of our northern skies, the aurora borealis brings a magical dimension to the cold winter nights.
When sitting in the benches along the square, the size of the projection canvases makes the effect striking since the whole visual field is occupied by the chromatic variations of the work. This is the emotion sought: to make the night magical on the Place des Festivals.
Special events
A great strength of the installation is its potential to be appropriated for special events. We envision that the infrastructure could be lent to creators from various backgrounds for special screenings. Although the canvases are already printed with a colored gradient, the background remains abstract enough to receive another level of information. Visual artists, graphic designers, VJs, and other creatives could take advantage of an important platform for a one-night event, creating a varied and changing animation.
(From competitor's text)
(Unofficial automated translation)
The jury once again emphasizes the great scope of the installation and its considerable visual impact in the space. The gesture is minimalist and the sobriety of the concept is very appealing to the jury members. In response to the jury's comments in stage 1, the team demonstrates the technical feasibility of their concept. They reduced the height of the canvases to reduce the weight and wind resistance to make it possible to hang them on megastructures. Several technical verifications bring quite satisfactory answers to the jurors.
However, the jury discussed at greater length the final visual and aesthetic result of the installation. The rendering presented on the board and in the video shows 3 stretched canvases that communicate a great rigidity. However, the team states that it is not possible to exert such tension on the megastructures and that the canvases will be slightly sagging. While the effect of the canvases swaying in the wind could be presumed to be interesting, the team failed to convince the jury, either visually or by explanation, that the result would be convincing.
Like the members of the technical committee, the jury found the number and strength of the projectors used insufficient. Budgetary reasons seem to have forced the team to limit the projection budget. However, the strength of the concept lies in the impact of these large canvases illuminated at night.
Although this project is distinctive and brings a new dimension to the Place des Festivals, the project does not convince the jury that it can be as impactful as the CGI shows. For this reason, and in comparison to the 001AA performance, the jury does not recommend proceeding with this project.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
16 scanned / 16 viewable
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Site Plan
- conceptual image
- Reference Image
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- Reference Image
- Presentation Panel
- Perspective
- Perspective
- Plan
- Section
- Schema
- Construction detail
- Reference Image
