Major upgrades are coming to Swing Time, the overwhelmingly popular interactive playscape at The Lawn On D Powered by Citizens Bank, Boston’s first-of-its-kind experimental outdoor space at the epicenter of the South Boston Waterfront District.
Designed by local architecture firm Höweler + Yoon Architecture, Swing Time is a large-scale public art installation that creates a playground for all ages. The 18 large, interactive swings each contain an internal LED lighting system, micro-controller, and accelerometer that symbiotically create colorful glowing effects generated by the motion and acceleration of the swings.
This year Swing Time 3.0 will include some design improvements, including a sleeker design that incorporates the attachment point into the shape of the swing. The new swings are fabricated through a roto-molding process, which makes them more robust, but also smooth and seamless.
“Previous versions of the swings were more like prototypes,” said designer Zach Seibold. “The new swings incorporate subtle refinements to the geometry as well new fabrication techniques and wire management to improve the robustness to resist the ‘wear and tear’ that the swings have gotten from the heavy use by enthusiastic users.”
In 2015, Swing Time 2.0 was outfitted with a solar canopy. The solar canopy incorporates photo-voltaics and batteries to be able to power the swings entirely with renewable energy.
Swing Time 3.0 will be installed on Friday, July 15.
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