Critical Mass, 2004 
Wolverhampton University

A light and vapour based project in collaboration with Lulu Quinn for Wolverhampton University, funded through the Percent for Art.

The work consists of twenty stainless steel pipes set in a row along the zinc facade of the building. The pipes will emit sequences of vapour and light in reaction to the intensity of activity monitored in the university building. In effect the pipes act as a pressure gauge for the building taking the temperature of social interaction, academic debate, and environmental changes. The pipes contain animated white light and emit illuminated vapour. The work has three elements, firstly the physical presence consisting of twenty double skinned stainless steel pipes operating as a strong elegant functional presence across the glazed front of the building. Secondly each pipe will be internally illuminated and animated by LED lights and finally jets of steam will puff and gush into the atmosphere, providing a graphic manifestation of the pressure points inside and around the University. 

 

Cool reason, hot debate, and the burning question...

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