Art on the Subway

As a key consideration in master planning for the Keele Campus, the new York University Subway Station is largely influential. It will directly impact circulation routes, however the new station will also alter the natural and built landscapes and will foster greater connectivity between the campus community and local neighbourhoods. It will have social, economic, environmental, and physical effects.

With the inclusion of a public art plan for the station, it will also have an emotional effect on those who pass though on their way to and from the campus.

Piston Effect rendering (credit: Jason Bruges Studio)

The York University Art Design Review Committee, comprised of faculty and staff representatives, approved the proposed work by British artist and architect Jason Bruges.

Tentatively titled “Piston Effect,” Bruges’ LCD light installation will be installed throughout the interior of the station.  Fading between white and black, the light patterns will be directed by the dynamic airflow patterns of people and trains moving in and out of the station. The real-time animation of the light patterns will be controlled by algorithms that interpret the data collected from air movement sensors. The thousands of LCD screens are energy efficient, requiring the same amount of power as a standard laptop.

Piston Effect (credit: Jason Bruges Studio)

Bruges founded the Jason Bruges Studio, a team of architects, lighting designers and  interaction specialists, in 2001. Prior to that he worked as an architect for renowned London-based firm Foster + Partners and as a senior interactive design consultant for Imagination.

Models of McLean's work (credit: TTC)

Another London-based artist, Bruce McLean, has been selected to develop the public art component of the nearby Finch West Station. A practitioner in many mediums, including photography, sculpture and performance art, McLean’s work is currently on display in the Tate Gallery. McLean has been working closely with the station architects to integrate his pillars and support beams into the structural framework of the building, purposely blurring the line between architecture and art. “The sculptures are intended to be part of the structure and fabric of the building” says McLean, “and should in a way be invisible.”

With such innovative projects taking place within and around the Keele Campus, the master planning team has been consulting with members of the fine arts department and other University staff and faculty to develop a cohesive public art plan for YorkU.

What kinds of work would you like to see integrated into the campus?