Kaleidoscope Garden Imagines an Endless Summer in Boston

Design and fabrication

Kaleidoscope Garden greets viewers with a “particle field” of blue and yellow discs, suspended at varying angles and heights along taut metal cables. These cables extend from a circular support structure connected to an open central column. When guests reach the interior of the central column, angled mirrored panels on the sides create a distorted reflection of ground, art, people, and sky. Combining all these elements into one abstract visual includes the viewer as a part of the exhibit.

The kaleidoscopic center of the oculus features patterned glass discs that rotate on a wind-powered mechanism, creating a swirling focal point that is further magnified and reflected in the oculus’ mirrors. From the immersive experience of wandering through the “particle field” of multi-colored discs to the discovery of the oculus, Kaleidoscope Garden engages all the senses, from sight to sound and touch.

Evoking a sense of wonder

The installation is inspired by the fleeting joys of summer. At night, the discs in the “particle field” take on a soft glow, recalling the twinkling of fireflies as they flicker in the breeze. Looking upwards through the central oculus, viewers of all ages get to experience the nostalgia and delight of looking at the world through the ever-shifting lens of a kaleidoscope. In all weather and times of day, Kaleidoscope Garden responds to its surroundings, offering a different experience upon repeated visits.

Low-slung circular pedestals provide guests a place to sit and rest amidst the colorful strands or stand and take in the installation from a different perspective. Careful considerations were taken for accessibility—the particle field is designed with strategic pathways that allow a wheelchair to pass comfortably.

An interdisciplinary approach

In the studio, Chin and Brophy’s architecture and design projects range from built work to branded environmental graphics. Kaleidoscope Garden was an opportunity to bring a multi-disciplinary approach to experiential art, allowing the designers to leverage skills acquired in their project work.

“It is inspiring to see how talented and diverse our teams are,” says Boston studio Managing Director, Yanel de Angel. “Sarah and Katherine’s architecture and design work led them to create a memorable public art experience. When we remove boundaries from the types of work that we do, we can allow creativity to flourish.”