Glow Globs: An Abstract Inflatable Lighting Installation

Spark Curiosity and Imagination with Glow Globs

Glow Globs stands out from other lighting installations due to its deployable design. When the fan is off, the light fabric collapses, making it easy to transport and set up. Each inflatable is made up of 80 to 100 panels, meticulously sewn together using patterns similar to those used in dressmaking. With over 400 edges to be sewn, the attention to detail is evident in the final product.

Measuring between 2.5 and 3 meters in each direction, Glow Globs consists of three unique inflatables. The LED lights are threaded through the interior of the inflated structure, creating a diffused illumination that adds to the enchanting ambiance.

The installation was initially located in front of the Cincinnati Central Library during the Blink Art Festival in 2019. Here, visitors could engage with the lights, immersing themselves in the vibrant colors and playful shadows. The installation is designed to be mobile, allowing it to be deployed at various locations and events.

Virginia Melnyk's research focuses on combining sewn forms with the built environment, using both traditional and computational design methodologies. Glow Globs is a testament to her expertise, as she seamlessly merges sewing techniques from quilting and dressmaking with parametric computational architecture. This combination of techniques results in a truly unique and visually stunning design.

Overcoming technical challenges, such as ensuring airtight seams and distributing forces evenly, was crucial in creating a successful pneumatic installation like Glow Globs. Through simulations and studies using Clo3D and Kangaroo for Grasshopper, Melnyk was able to identify potential areas of strain and reinforce them accordingly.

Glow Globs not only critiques the cartoonish style of traditional inflatable holiday lawn ornaments but also transforms it into a captivating and artistic experience. By sparking curiosity and imagination, this installation invites viewers to interpret and engage with the abstract shapes, creating their own narratives.

Winner of the Bronze A' Design Award in Lighting Products and Fixtures Design in 2021, Glow Globs showcases the ingenuity and creativity of its design. Recognized for its incorporation of best practices in art, science, design, and technology, Glow Globs contributes to improving the quality of life and making the world a better place.