Client: CITY OF WESTMOUNT
Location: WESTMOUNT, QC, Canada
Completion date: 2017
Artwork budget: $22,500
Project Team
Architect
Anne-Marie Paquette
L4 STUDIO INC.
Artist
Paul Poirier
CS DESIGN INC.
Overview
‘‘The Loons’’ was an ephemeral interactive installation positioned at the heart of Westmount Park in honour of Canada’s 150th Anniversary. Fifteen luminous spherical PVC balloons, one for every decade since the beginning of the Canadian constitution, floated several metres above the grassy field. Their formation evokes that of migratory birds and celebrates our country’s identity as a welcoming nation that was largely built by the hands of migrants.
Goals
As people move through the towering installation, the balloons emit pulsations of red and white light, reflecting the activity of the crowd down below into the night sky. While being a playful centerpiece to Canada Day celebrations for people of all ages, the Loons punctuate the milestone that is Canada’s 150th birthday.
Process
The team designed and produced the installation as a turnkey operation with close collaboration with the City of Westmount.
Additional Information
Since the initial flight of The LOONS in July 2017, the installation has been re-programmed and re-activated on two separate occasions for the City of Westmount. The new instances features unique colours and light sequences to mark different local celebratory events.