Brooklyn-based design agency The Urban Conga has introduced an innovative installation called Molecules, featuring five interactive water molecules that emerge from the Arizona Canal in Scottsdale, Arizona. These captivating structures spring to life through the interactions of users and their environment, illustrating the interconnectedness of our communities. Just as the water in the canal is shaped by various elements coming together, Molecules emphasizes the importance of interpersonal connections and the sometimes conflicting reactions that arise from them.
Designed as an open-ended play experience, Molecules addresses the pressing issue of the climate crisis and encourages individuals to reflect on their personal impact on the environment. This installation invites participants to consider how their actions can trigger larger reactions within their community. By fostering collaboration among neighbors, Molecules demonstrates that collective efforts can lead to even more significant outcomes, highlighting the power of unity in addressing environmental challenges.
The installation also incorporates light and sound, transforming the experience into a dynamic form of play that breaks down social barriers. This interactive element encourages users to engage in conversations about the often uncomfortable topics surrounding water ownership and its preciousness. As participants connect with one another and contemplate the water flowing beneath them, they are prompted to think critically about its journey and the collective responsibility we share in preserving this vital resource.
The installation features five sets of water molecules, comprising a total of ten hydrogen and five oxygen atoms, gracefully suspended above the canal. Each molecule is responsive to its user, the surrounding environment, and the interactions that unfold, creating a delightful opportunity for exploration. By day, the artwork interacts with natural light, shifting and transforming its colors depending on the viewer’s perspective. Each panel acts like a screen, mirroring the dynamic movements of the landscape and the people who stroll by.
Lining the edge of the canal, these molecules invite passersby to engage closely with the artwork, allowing them to play with their reflections within the unique icosahedral spheres that beautifully capture color and light. As night falls, the molecules come alive, illuminated from within by LED lights that react to the sounds of visitors’ voices. Each molecule features an interaction point, marking where individuals can begin to influence the lighting, showcasing how one’s voice can resonate within the surrounding environment.
As people converse, sing, or shout at these interaction points, the installation responds in kind, creating a dialogue of its own. Visitors find themselves sharing stories, expressing dreams, venting frustrations, and even serenading the installation with songs. This exchange transforms the experience into a vibrant tapestry of sound and light, where the artwork becomes a participant in the conversation.
From a distance, onlookers can witness the lively interactions across the canal, as the lights pulse and change hues in response to the volume and tone of the voices. This enchanting spectacle turns the canal’s edge into a spontaneous gathering place, where individuals can converse, connect, dance, sing, and play together, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.