Lighting Design and Rigging

SOFA CONNECT 2015 | Chicago Navy Pier | November 2015

In collaboration with the 3D Design Department of The University of Iowa, Lucas Ingram (another MFA Lighting Design student) and I designed an installation to compete in the 2015 CONNECT Contest at Chicago’s SOFA Conference (Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art and Design). Our challenge was to create an inviting space where people would be drawn to sit and connect with other artists and designers on the expo floor.

The contest had a few parameters. These included seating for at least twelve people, special lighting, display space for the furniture designs of Iowa students and a constructed element which embodies connectivity. 3D Design was responsible for the design and construction of the physical installation. They were interested in tree canopies and what life flourished underneath their shade and protection. The resulting swirling pattern was based off of the forest's natural growth.

Installation Design: Sarah Gutowski, Justin Bailey, Vako Darjania

Production Team: Yingjie Chen, Yi Xie, Magen Krones, Yiwen Chu, Elissa Opfer, Bree Glenn and Darcy MacGuire.

*3DS Max Renderings courtesy of Justin Bailey