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It’s difficult to imagine a house more connected to its landscape than this desert abode in Joshua Tree, CA.
The project—called “Lucid Stead”—was the creation of Palm Springs, CA-based artist Phillip K. Smith III.
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©Steven King Photography / Courtesy of Royale Projects: Contemporary Art
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Artist Phillip K. Smith III’s project reflects the desert landscape during the day and shifts into a light exhibit at night.
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Lucid Stead is clad in mirrors that reflect the landscape during the day. At night, its doors and windows transform into a psychedelic collage of shifting neon-colored lights.
The abandoned wooden homestead has been in the vast desert for around 70 years, according to project details.
Using LED lighting, mirrors, custom-built electronic equipment, solar panels and other programming, the artist was able to reimagine the simple structure. Smith said he didn’t replace any of the building’s original materials, however, leaving a raw, natural feel to the building.
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©Steven King Photography / Courtesy of Royale Projects: Contemporary Art
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Smith says the project is about tapping into the pace of the desert. You can view additional photos of the project here.
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“Lucid Stead is about tapping into the quiet and the pace of change of the desert,” Smith said in a statement on the project.
“When you slow down and align yourself with the desert, the project begins to unfold before you. It reveals that it is about light and shadow, reflected light, projected light, and change.”
Simple, yet profound, the unique project shows us one of the many brilliant ways architecture can interact with its surroundings.
The project is now closed to visitors.
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| ABOUT THE THE BLOGGER |
Jill M. Speegle |
Jill Speegle is the Editor of Durability + Design News. She earned her B.A. in journalism and English as well as her J.D. from the University of Arkansas. In Sketches, Jill shares her thoughts on a number of topics that may be of interest to the D+D community, including architecture, interior design, green building, historic restoration, and whatever else catches her radar. |
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SEE ALL CONTENT FROM THIS CONTRIBUTOR
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Tagged categories:
Architecture;
Color;
Design;
Green building;
Interior design;
Restoration;
Aesthetics;
Artists;
Color + Design;
Lighting
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Comment from Tom Schwerdt, (12/16/2013, 9:53 AM)
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So, they take one of the few good "dark sky" areas for observing the night sky and shine lights all over the place at night? After looking at some additional images, I find the daytime reflection effect very interesting and really a great art installation, but if you want colored lights at night in the desert - just go to Vegas.
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Comment from Tom Schwerdt, (12/16/2013, 9:55 AM)
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I retract my negative comment - it appears to be only on display for a couple of weekends. As a temporary installation, the lights are reasonable.
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Comment from Gerald Curtis, (12/16/2013, 3:43 PM)
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Kudos for the reasoned retraction that would have been unnecessary had the article been more carefully written.
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