In an attempt to beautify the space of Vallero Square in Jerusalem, HQ Architects installed four sculptures that measure over 30-feet tall and literally dwarf those who choose to walk beneath them... but there's one giant twist:
They're interactive.
That's right, depending on the season or time of day, the flower sculptures will either provide light or shade and bloom or close for those who choose to walk underneath the red, oversized flower petals.
Built in 2014, the four interactive and motion-activated flowers go by the name of ‘Warde' and are over 30-feet-high and 30-feet-wide. Perfect for all passengers exiting the nearby tram, Warde's colourful installation gives the city residents a touch of spring year-round. HQ Architects chose Vallero Square as the site of the installation because of the area's poor condition. As a nearby tram divides the urban square and displeasing structures such as waste composts and electrical systems surround the space, Vallero Square was the perfect space for HQ Architects who described the project as “an attempt to not fight the chaos but instead to try and lighten up the urban space by spreading around these four elements with a hint of fantasy to help overcome the reality of the square.” When no one is around, the flowers gradually “wilt” by collapsing and effectively closing their petals to the city around them.
Taking inspiration from the natural world, HQ Architects provided a beautiful, yet bold, contrast to the industrial space of Vallero Square in Jerusalem. What a beautiful way to bring some colour to the metropolis!
each one of the sculptures is separately inflated and reacts to the situation around it
during the night the installation is equipped with lights, illuminating the public space
warde’s attempt was not to fight the chaos but instead to try and lighten up the urban space
the installation also serves as a canopy, giving shade to any passer-by
the blow-up flowers serve as a canopy for pedestrians looking for shade
the flowers react to people walking under them by inflating
when no one is around, the flowers stay closed
Discovered via designboom
