How is wireframe’s focus on public space aligned with urban revitalization ?
Wireframe has been producing and installing interactive artworks—permanent and temporary—worldwide for diverse, international artists over the past ten years.
Through our work, we have observed firsthand the substantial impact that planning and programming public spaces can have on people’s daily well-being and behavior.
We are convinced that introducing more wonder and human-centric experiences contributes to greater community engagement and the overall thriving of neighborhoods.
For us, this uplifted experience in urban space is central to urban revitalization.
So, how are interactive artworks impacting public spaces? Is it architectural or social?
It’s both. Interactive Public Art provides unique and unconventional ways of interacting and connecting with the city.
First, it plays a crucial role in activating the human-scale of urban environments. Tall buildings, wide streets, plazas—they’re often oversized and alienating. Interactive artworks bring lively and diverse forms, materials and moments that reshape our connection to the city. For instance, our inflatable work, moonGarden by Lucion, adds roundness and softness to public spaces, shifting expectations and scales of the city.
The architectural presence and the tactile qualities of the artwork also produce a satisfying spatial experience that engages the entire body—not just the eye. Artworks like the interactive seesaws, Wave Field by CS Design and Lateral Office, allow you to hold-on, push-off and bounce, while others invite you to meditate, shout, or dance.
…and the social impact?
Yes—the same interactive elements foster shared experiences and community bonding. Works like Loops by Jonas Vorwerk, encourage strangers to collaborate to create music by spinning sound-making discs.
Unlike concerts or exhibitions you don’t need to belong to a certain social group to join in. These artworks are universally creative and inspiring, and accessible to everyone. Their neutral narratives also ensure broad understanding and appreciation.
All these shared moments of play and discovery are a source of pride for neighborhoods and establish a positive sense of community identity and place, transforming those sites into destinations.
Surely, these destinations become economic triggers?
Definitely. These cost-free artworks break down barriers offering inclusive moments for all. This significantly increases foot traffic, benefits local businesses and sustains urban development.
Used strategically, interactive public art effectively transforms a space with limited time, effort, and budget, and without necessitating extensive neighborhood changes.
What would you consider a good strategy for curating public artworks?
Intent and concept obviously matter—but they’re not the sole considerations. Thorough technical evaluations for public exhibition and touring viability, along with financial assessments to ensure market coherence are essential.
But how does Wireframe ensure an effective experience locally?
First, our curated catalog significantly accelerates selection, reducing financial and technical risks for planners. Then, our production expertise ensures seamless project delivery. Finally, it’s Wireframe’s distinctive focus on understanding how artworks will function in space and adapting them for diverse contexts, that sets it apart.
Often, site managers showcase artworks that fail to resonate with the community, never understanding why. The issue isn’t in the artworks themselves, but in assuming that placing interactive pieces guarantees intuitive engagement and a positive response.
A recent example from our peers demonstrated this disconnect. Despite a well-designed and engaging artwork, its placement on an intimidating site, arranged in a rigid row, resulted in a poor response from the public. The playful and collaborative essence of the work couldn’t shine in this setting. Advising on better site selection or rearranging the layout could have significantly improved the public experience.
At Wireframe, we prioritize such details. We lead with a critical eye, collaborating with architects and civil engineers for thoughtful site integrations that seamlessly weave artworks into the urban fabric. Our strategic approach also combines modularity and content adaptation to inclusively engage the community.
For us, the power of interactive installations lies not just in their form but in their transformative ability to elevate the spaces they inhabit.
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