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The discipline of Fashion has explored an interaction with the weight of the locomotive. A delicate fabric shrouding the train, participants slowly pulling the substantial locomotive forward inch by inch, anticipation growing for the discovery of what lays beneath. Such an opportunity would provide visitors a unique and memorable learning experience about the weight, scale and form of the locomotive.

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Combining Art & Trains

Idea

Combining contemporary art and historic trains, this scheme proposes a new way for visitors to explore, interact and learn at the Steamtown National Historic Site. The 1950’s locomotives becoming a provocative canvas, a series of 21st century interactive art installations re-engaging the community, enlivening & diversifying the experience at the park.

Status: Competition Entry
Location: Pennsylvania, AL, US
Firm Role: Director

The discipline of Choreography has explored interactions involving movement, sensors receiving information from the participants, reflecting this on the surface of the train. Such an installation would allow heightened interactive opportunities, enlivening the understanding of the locomotives.

The discipline of Architecture has explored an immersive experience of an artificial ‘cloud’, engulfing the train and allowing a fantastical environment where perception of the locomotive would be transformed. Whilst on the journey through the mist a visitor may feel the train is actually moving, the headlights shining brightly, train plunging on through the fog.

The discipline of Sculpture has explored the possible use of a series of playful inflatable interventions. The contrast between the train and the art highlighting the distinction between each. Such an experience providing the visitors an appreciation for the trains mass, materiality and physical presence.

The discipline of Film explores the long running connection between locomotives and the big screen. Trains intrinsically connected with memories of departure and arrival, here a series of projectors create the perception of high-speed train propelling itself forward, a visitor bold enough to stand in its way.

The discipline of Photography has explored the use of a digital photobank, visitors photographing the train, each with their own appreciations and perspectives. This knowledge reshared on the trains canvas, free for people to learn from.

The discipline of Illustration has explored the use of a interactive tablet which would allow visitors to digitally 'paint' on the trains. Such an opportunity would allow a intimate understanding of the train visually, each detail revealing itself more clearly before the artist overlays their artwork on the locomotive.

The discipline of Sound explores trains and their unique connection with peoples memory. The power of a locomotive physically is obvious, however the emotive influence of a trains whistle is just as engaging. Here the use of recorded train sound, aims to heighten this experience and provide an intimate connection with the locomotive.

The current distribution of trains on the site makes them the perfect candidate for heightened points of interaction. The plan above, highlights the trains as coloured rectangles, pathways through the site shown with black arrows. This interaction between pathways around the site and the trains will provide excellent wayfinding.