MAX Integrated Metal Sculptures and Sound Art in Light Posts

Artists

Robert Tully , Jim Green

Year

2014

Location

MAX Bus Rapid Transit Stations

Description

Light shines down through layers of frosted glass. Structure is designed to match shelter. Frame color matches corridor branding.

Sound is an innovative art form introduced to the MAX project in response to input from Fort Collins residents such as the UniverCity group that requested exciting, new technologies to enhance the rider experience. Although there are other precedents of sound art created by Jim Green, the twelve Fort Collins MAX stations are the first extensive use of sound art in public transit in the United States.

The sound art component for the Mason (MAX) stations creates a unique experience/environment for riders of the transit system. The sound art is inspired by the world’s environment, giving a broad, natural, worldwide view aimed at relaxing yet interesting sounds. High-quality recordings will be delivered through speakers integrated into the artist-built light posts at each station.  Some examples of environmental sounds include a forest environment with birds, stream sounds and rustling branches; an ocean recording of surf, gull calls and sea lions; an artic segment with crackling ice and sea birds. Interspersed with the pure nature recordings are segments created by the artists--Jim Green and Robert Tully--that are inspired by the environment, such as leaves being raked, someone walking down a gravel path, and talking parrots. These additions keep the nature recordings from being predictable and complete the artists overall vision for the sound art. MAX riders and pedestrians will rarely hear the same sound segments, given the length of the repeating digital recordings and timed play.

The sound art includes 22 recordings. The tracks are 1 to 4 minutes long and play randomly, so they assemble in different ways at different times. 

Photos

Light pole with integrated sculpture by Robert Tully.