Kersten Bridge
Thirst created a custom pattern to prevent bird strikes on the University of Chicago's Kersten Bridge. The final pattern is a grid of dots visually modified according to rules inspired by John Horton Conway's Game of Life, a mathematical cellular automaton from 1970. The grid breaks up the reflective surface while still letting the maximized amount of light in.
- Client
- University of Chicago
- Service
- Signage
- Credits
- Fabrication and Installation by Xibitz
Process
Studies
Numerous studies explored the best aesthetic ways to achieve the specified 4in x 2in max opening dimension. Many different mathematical models were considered as inspiration, from magnetic waves to even string theory.