Anne Lusk, Ph.D. Harvard School of Public Health
Heather Dietrichson, LEED, designer
Lauren Charest, architecture student, Massachusetts Community College
Submission 0181
Art That Moves You
This entry proposes The Boston Center for the Arts as the epicenter for showcasing
“Art That Moves You” or art that pulls at your heart strings and
entreats you to engage in physical activity by walking or bicycling to the
rewarding destination or being active at the destination. Built upon the existing
architecture, each element relates to theatre themes and BCA activities to
enchant regular patrons and attract new audiences.
A first encounter at a T might be “ARTS” stenciled on a sidewalk
curb, directing everyone to all things artful, kinetic, and fun at BCA. A
second beckon might be in the back of BCA where theatre curtains frame “Sewing
the Show.” Nearby are “Clothes Racks” or bike racks with
theatre costumes as teasers. In the Plaza, a spot light passes slowly on the
brick pavement, offering waiting patrons or moving pedestrians their “Minute
of Fame.” A wooden “Theatre Genie” sitting in the kiosk
points, like an arcade fortune teller, to a requested location on a map using
voice recognition. In “Water Dance,” a motion controlled fountain
rises up with a child’s arm command. “Move Me Marionettes”
in a nearby tree dance on a stage, directed by pulleys manipulated by passers
by. A child and adult “Bicycle Merry-Go-Round” might reward pedalers
with music taped by the music school.
Formed as “Social Bridges,” each artful piece is intended to serve
as a mood lift, spark a conversation, brighten the day, and, just coincidentally,
encourage physical activity, all at BCA.
