It’s been months since we first did our write-up on the Wabash Lights, though it looks like the venture will finally be getting off the ground this January.
The appropriately named project, aimed at illuminating the underside of the L tracks on Wabash, has now received approval for a scaled-down beta test. The beta will consist of just 12 feet of LED lighting, though the final version will be comprised of 4,000 feet of the tubes stretching from Madison to Adams.
The coolest part: the final version will allow visitors to control the lights using their smartphones or computers. The lights can change from bold colors to sparkle effects, waves, and pulses. If you can imagine it, these lights can do it.
Check out this description and demonstration of the lights in the video below:
The interactive art project is aimed at putting the “public” back in public art by attracting visitors and giving them complete control over the lights in a real-time setting. The Wabash Lights raised over $59,000 in a Kickstarter project earlier this year, though they’ll need about $1 million each year to operate. The creators, Jack Newell and Seth Unger, are hoping to raise the additional funds through foundations, corporations, and private donors. You can donate and learn more about the project on their official website.
The beta is expected to run for six to twelve months in an attempt to work out any kinks that might arise. You can learn more about the process as it happens by following @TheWabashLights on Twitter or liking them on Facebook.