Aurora
An Interactive Skyline
Introduction
Thirty days after one of the most breathtaking Aurora sightings in Southern Ontario, we brought an interactive, real-time generated Aurora to life in Downtown Kitchener over the holiday season.
Summary
Aurora is an interactive window-front holiday installation spanning 80-foot-wide and 16-foot-tall. 22,000 LED’s create the glow of the Aurora Borealis behind two rows of trees and some wandering moose, recreating the quintessential experience of viewing the Aurora in the Canadian country-side.
The Aurora changes colors, grows, shrinks, and moves in unpredictable ways – creating a tranquil and engaging visual experience to add to the ambiance of the night.
Motion sensors placed in-front of each bay of windows allow visitors to interact with the Aurora in real-time. As they step towards the windows, their presence causes the Aurora to expand in size and intensity, radiating pulses of light from where they stand.
Installation
Behind the Scenes
While the Aurora created a beautiful visual from outside, the view from behind the scenes was just as vibrant with light filling the unfinished commercial space.
Commission
This installation was commissioned by the Downtown Kitchener Business Improvement Area (DTK BIA), for the Christkindl Market and holiday season.
Special Thanks
This installation is possible thanks to the generous support of the following people:
Cedric Puddy,
Shawn Carnahan,
Ryan Shea,
Matt Bolger,
Rose Potts,
Jenny Wettlaufer,