Inspired by an ancient Japanese artifact called the “magic mirror,” which shows a hidden image when illuminated, LOOK HERE reveals unexpected reflections of the National Building Museum’s Center Court. As visitors move through the atrium space, they discover viewports that create individual moments of contemplation among clusters of reflective fractals that expose new facets of the surrounding architecture.
Project Name: Look Here At The National Building Museum
Studio Name: Reddymade
Project Location: National Building Museum, Washington, D.C.
Completion Year: 2023
Design Team: Suchi Reddy, Suha Samara, Hitarth Nandi, Tim Liu, Shweta Krishnan
Image Credits: ©Chris Coe / ©Timothy Schenck
LOOK HERE invites visitors to see themselves in new environments that can expand their vision. The installation of fractals, made with Luminux® reflective panels from Jancik Arts International, shapes a walk-in architectural kaleidoscopic experience. Visitors move through the constellation of suspended fractals on a curved ramp that culminates in a central oval gathering space. The reflection of the Museum’s interior, the constant movement of the prismatic elements, and the changing sun create a spectacular contemplative space during the day and a lively entertainment space at night.
Visitors encounter iconic images of activist gatherings in Washington, D.C. such as the 1964 March on Washington, which underscores the idea that the city was designed not only to house a democratic government but also to be a physical representation of democratic ideals and beliefs.
The installation is guided by Suchi Reddy’s belief that architecture, environments, and experiences play an essential role in shaping an understanding of ourselves as humans with agency, equity, and empathy. As visitors experience these powerful images of activism in LOOK HERE, they see themselves in the reflective surfaces as part of these important moments in our collective history.
