Pulse Portal: A Journey into Tomorrow

Golden A' Design Award Winner Transforms Perception with Iridescent Art Installation

Discover Pulse Portal, a 20-foot archway of dichroic glass that changes color based on the viewer's position, creating a unique experience with every step. This art installation, designed by Davis McCarty, is a testament to the transformative power of design and the potential of art to create immersive, interactive experiences.

McCarty's inspiration for Pulse Portal comes from the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, a concept in quantum mechanics that states observing a subatomic object affects its behavior. This principle is brought to life in the macro world through the Pulse Portal. The installation invites viewers to discover a micro phenomenon on a grand scale, using space-age materials and mathematical truths to create forms that reference imagined alien structures.

The Pulse Portal is a functional archway, welcoming viewers to pass through a gate of iridescent light on a journey into tomorrow. The dichroic glass used in the installation changes color based on the viewer's position in space, creating a dynamic, ever-changing experience. The act of walking around the art becomes an integral part of the interaction, making each viewer's experience unique.

Creating the Pulse Portal was a challenge in itself. McCarty aimed to create an inspirational work of art based on alien geometry. The design is based on the tessellated geometry of crystals on earth, creating a connection between the natural world and the imagined extraterrestrial structures. The result is a futuristic kaleidoscope that has been exhibited in Black Rock City, San Francisco, and Art Basil in 2016.

The Pulse Portal's unique properties and innovative design have not gone unnoticed. In 2017, it was awarded the Golden A' Design Award in Fine Arts and Art Installation Design. This prestigious award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Davis McCarty's Pulse Portal is a testament to the transformative power of design and the potential of art to create immersive, interactive experiences. It is a shining example of how design can bring scientific principles to life, create connections between the natural and imagined worlds, and engage viewers in a unique, personal experience.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Davis McCarty
Image Credits: Cliff Baise Image 1
Project Team Members: Davis McCarty
Project Name: Pulse Portal
Project Client: Davis McCarty


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