Live Forever is network of custom formed origami brass flowers which produce an ever changing display of animated light sequences based upon local atmospheric data. 

Wrapping the face of Firestation 94 in Los Angeles, the Live Forever project is Didier Hess’ first site specific permanent artwork.  The pieces makes visible the conditions that the Fire Engine Company keeps watch over on a daily basis, humidity levels.  The system as a network of flowers and vines grew from the notion that the project was organic by its very nature, evolving according to constantly fluctuating data inputs.  The form of the flowers is dictated by an optimal fold pattern as well as a nesting geometry which generates zero waste as it is manufactured.  The flowers are folded to create a beautiful lighting effect, while the vines are bent to simulate the branching systems of chalk dudleya.  The system is then secured to the wall, much like the way the chalk dudleya flower grows along the walls of the Santa Monica Mountains.  

Illuminating the piece was accomplished by running a series of LED lights through a controller which we programmed to run animations based on data we collected from sensors mounted on the roof of the building.  The lighting varied in intensity relative to the incoming data which gives the piece its evolving.

Design Team: Didier Hess

Position Held: Project Manager/Lead Fabricator