Cylindrical Columns

It has become apparent that it may not be possible to produce a square column of light. Although I have tried several different solutions and have spoken to several experts within the field it appears that there may not be a method of producing a perfectly square light. There are other possible solutions that could potentially produce a square light, including reconstructing a light, with square edges etc. However, this would prove to be extremely difficult, and require a large amount of knowledge surrounding lights.

As time is against me I have regrettably decided to revert to cylindrical columns. It is disappointing to have to move away from the original idea, but it has proven extremely time consuming and difficult to find an adequate solution. Columns have traditionally been cylindrical for thousands of years, so this decision will also allow me to continue with tradition, which may reinforce the idea that the lights are in column or pillar form.

As well as hardware solutions I have considered projecting the light into a corner of a room, similarly to James Turrell’s work (discussed earlier in the blog), and lighting a structure (made from fabric etc). Although these would probably be able to produce a square light, I had planned to produce something that was freestanding, which is something that I would like to still be apparent. After all it will be this movement around the columns that will trigger the sensors, and consequently the interactive aspect of the project.

This is a disappointing change in direction as square lines would have been wonderful to see, but it is also an exciting change as it means that I can press on with the production of the piece. Following research I have found a viable method of producing a defined cylindrical column, follow spots.