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Light Field
Light
Field
Light Field is a beacon for an emerging Downtown Indianapolis and a new model for sustainability and interaction. The design is inspired by Indiana’s agricultural landscape, by its simplicity, beauty, and magnitude. It is low, open, and transparent to reveal the CCB’s entrance and the six pillars to the surrounding city. Across a gently sloping landscape, a field of lights is arranged in a pattern that recalls Indiana’s agricultural grids.
location
Indianapolis, Indiana
client
Indianapolis-Marion County Building Authority and Market East LLC
year
2014
area
2.5 Acres
Architect of Record
Westlake Reed Leskosky
Award
3rd Place International Competition
From this pattern, all the Plaza elements emerge. A Grove is planted with native trees that blossom in arying seasonal colors. A Fountain Plaza is revealed with a splash fountain that transforms into an ice rink during the winter. A new pedestal is created around the six pillars to underscore their symbolic importance. Street life animates every edge of the site. An Art Walk to the south with large-scale public art adds a new dimension to the Cultural Trail. Finally, Food Truck and Market Kiosk Pavilions give life to the east and west sides of the plaza.
Sustainability
The latest sustainable technologies are introduced into the every element of Light Field. The lines of the Light Field are made of permeable gravel strips allowing rain water to be captured for reuse and storm-water mitigation. Each light fixture is individually solar-powered and fully sealed and thus impervious to water infiltration. Materials from the existing plaza are reused to the greatest extent possible including granite blocks and native trees. All considered, Light Field is a powerful model for sustainability.
A New Downtown Community
The Light Field creates a safe, open and well-lit space after dark, thus activating the Indianapolis downtown at dusk and anticipating a community present beyond working hours. It is a low profile plaza for all to have easy access through. The gently sloping grade provides the necessary soil depth for plantings without resorting to traditional raised planters. It welcomes from all directions while enhancing the presence of the City County Building.
Recognition
Recognition
Type
Year
Indianapolis-Marion County Building Authority - 3rd Place International Competition
Award
2014
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