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La Cañada Valley Sun: La Cañada Flintridge, California
'GardenLAb Experiment' Moves into Wind Tunnel Gallery at Art Center College of Design
In the first-ever ecology lab of its kind, the GardenLAb experiment brings a diverse group of designers, artists, scientists, activists, writers, filmmakers and performers involved in issues about the environment and ecology into a single forum. More than 100 participants, collaborating in over 40 multi-disciplinary projects, will create an evolving ecosystem in the Art Center College of Design's Wind Tunnel exhibition space. The GardenLAb will take place from Sept. 7 to Oct. 16.
The GardenLAb experiment is produced, curated and designed by Fritz Haeg and Francois Perrin, faculty members in Art Center's Department of Environmental Design, and has involved both faculty and students in the design of environmental and graphics elements.
The gardenLAb experiment evolved from a program established at Art Center three years ago by Haeg to support ecology-based initiatives at Art Center. Projects include artworks, scientific research, and architectural design, which will convert the 16,000 square-foot floor space and vast vertical space of the Wind Tunnel into multiple testing zones that include a street, a park, an open-air theater, and even a beach.
"We are trying something new," Haeg stated. "The GardenLAb experiment will be conducted using exhibits, films, lectures and performances. We are bringing together this diverse group of people to see what happens, to ask questions, and to speculate on what our next ecology might be. It will build momentum as it continues to grow and evolve."
"Like a cloud constantly in motion, this will be a living, breathing organism," Perrin added. "It will operate like an open-air market or gathering place, where an empty space becomes activated by the people coming and going each day. Everyone attending will be a participant in the gardenLAb."
"This is the perfect example of the role of design in the future of the environment," said Richard Koshalek, president of Art Center. "Both the GardenLAb and the Wind Tunnel facility provide the perfect venue for that discussion. The GardenLAb will facilitate communication, showcase the participants' skills at every level, and keep Art Center at the forefront of discussion about design both within this community and internationally."
Most projects will remain in place throughout the entire time frame, while others will evolve as the GardenLAb progresses. Experiments are designed for interactive participation, and visitors will be encouraged to record their observations on site and through a special journal on the gardenLAb website.
Daily progress of the gardenLAb experiment, as well as updated schedule and programming information, will be available at www.gar
denlab.org, and also accessible through the Art Center website at www.artcenter.edu.
Art Center's South Campus Wind Tunnel is a one-of-a-kind exhibition venue. Originally an aircraft testing facility, Daly Genik Architects worked closely with Art Center to renovate the building for public presentations of all kinds. The design retains many elements of the historic building while fulfilling a complex, multi-functional educational and social program that includes exhibitions, performances, film and lectures series, symposia, and special events. The South Campus building is a candidate for LEED-certification.
Art Center College of Design, a leader in art and design education for nearly 75 years, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide variety of art and design disciplines, as well as Public Programs offering design education to all ages and levels of experience. Integral to Art Center's core curricula is a commitment to providing its students with the skills to embrace change and address real-world issues. Art Center College of Design is located in Pasadena, with classes held at its original Hillside Campus and its new South Campus in downtown Pasadena.
The GardenLAb experiment runs Sept. 7 to Oct. 16 and is open to the public Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays) 11a.m. to 8 p.m. Special events, lectures, performances, films and happenings are Saturdays 2 to 8 p.m. Art Center College of Design South Campus Wind Tunnel is located at 950 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena.