2024-05-04T23:56:11-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150129579/softlab-s-mirror-mirror-installation-opens-at-alexandria-s-revamped-waterfront Mackenzie Goldberg 2019-04-01T14:15:00-04:00 >2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/bc/bc87a13f29f219d077b1889cda3c01ed.gif" border="0" /><p>'Mirror Mirror', a public installation designed by <a href="https://archinect.com/softlab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SOFTlab</a>, opened over the weekend alongside Alexandria, Virginia's revamped Waterfront Park. The 8-foot-tall, interactive piece is the inaugural project for the city's public art series which is a key part of efforts to enrich the experience of the waterfront along the Potomac River.</p> <p>"We were inspired by the architecture of the lighthouse and how it uses a lenticular lens to cast light, panoramically connecting land and sea," says artist and architect <a href="https://archinect.com/features/article/150123626/softlab-s-michael-szivos-discusses-the-power-of-material-experimentation-and-what-it-means-to-blend-the-boundaries-of-architecture-with-other-disciplines" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Szivos</a> of SOFTlab as their newest public installation opens.&nbsp;</p> <p>For 'Mirror Mirror', the New York-based studio,&nbsp;whose expertise ranges from digital fabrication to immersive and interactive installations, decided to take a note from the nearby Jones Point Lighthouse, which uses a special type of device called the Fresnel lens to emit light.</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/58/58d9cc8b2d49fb13f5419f1e9e7e08bc.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/58/58d9cc8b2d49fb13f5419f1e9e7e08bc.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Photo by Alan Tansey.</figcaption><p><br></p><p>Playing with reflection and refraction, the installation is set up as a 25-foot-long open circle. On the outside, monochro...</p></figure> https://archinect.com/news/article/150118596/softlab-designs-a-mesmerizing-public-installation-that-pays-homage-to-a-classic-lighthouse-in-alexandria-virginia Katherine Guimapang 2019-01-24T20:10:00-05:00 >2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/4d/4d973b739a1a6764e666aea4df37b3e5.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Located along the Potomac River in the city of Alexandria, Virginia an open circled public installation will draw visitors into its immersive and interactive display. Michael Szivos, the founder of <a href="https://archinect.com/softlab" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SOFTlab</a> design studio, took inspiration from local lighthouses to create a 25ft in diameter and 8ft high <a href="https://archinect.com/searchall/public-installation/news" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">public installation</a>. The New York-based design studio uses color and light to create <em>Mirror Mirror</em>. According to Szivos "<em>Mirror Mirror</em> will act as a beacon, beckoning visitors to venture into the new King Street Park at the Waterfront, interact with the artwork and explore and enjoy the new public plaza and civic space."</p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e9/e95a3f9a67b0d540b876ce393330d05c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/e9/e95a3f9a67b0d540b876ce393330d05c.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=514"></a></p><figcaption>Mirror Mirror, Image &copy; SOFTlab</figcaption></figure><p><em>Mirror Mirror</em> will be the first commissioned art piece for Alexandria's <em>Site/See: New Views in Old Town&nbsp;</em>initiative. The annual series is set to display temporary installations that promote visitor attraction and foster public interaction within Alexandria's rich waterfront views. Through the use of light <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/329273/reflection" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reflection</a> and refraction, <em>Mirror M...</em></p>