The Crown Fountain is a unique video sculpture from Chicago's Millennium Park
Art and technology often go hand in hand today, allowing creators to create unique works. An example of originality and creativity is the interactive Crown Fountain, a video sculpture located in the famous Millennium Park in Chicago. In 2004, Catalan artist Jaume Plensa created this unusual object, and since then the fountain has become one of the main attractions of the city.
Jaume Plensa came up with the idea for the Corona fountain, inspired by the combination of nature and technology. He worked on the project with engineers, architects and electronics specialists. One of the key challenges was to combine elements of video sculpture with traditional architectural forms. This was necessary so that the fountain would fit harmoniously into the urban landscape.
The fountain towers, which rise to a height of over 15 meters, are built of brick and granite. These materials provide the structure with strength and durability. The LED panels that cover the towers and display images were developed by Barco, a leader in interactive equipment.
The Crown Fountain consists of two towers with a reflecting pool between them. The most impressive thing about this video sculpture is the LED screens. They feature the faces of real Chicagoans of different ages and ethnicities. These faces were selected through a competition, making each portrait unique and reflective of the diversity of the Windy City.
When the fountain is in operation, the faces on the screens purse their lips, and at that moment jets of water burst out of the towers, creating a “water spit” effect. This spectacle invariably brings smiles to the viewers and has become a recognizable calling card of the fountain.
Since its opening, the video sculpture has become a magnet for locals and tourists. On hot summer days, when the fountain is in full swing, the place is especially lively. People make dates here, arrange photo shoots, and shoot videos for social networks. Bloggers often use the fountain as a backdrop for their videos, turning it into part of their online stories.
The creation of the Crown Fountain was not easy. At the design stage, many critics doubted that Jaume Plensa's futuristic style would not disturb the harmony of the famous Millennium Park. But the artist defended his idea, and now the Crown Fountain is considered one of the main icons of modern architecture and art in Chicago.
The Crown Fountain project cost $17 million. These significant costs were fully recouped, as the sculpture became a real magnet for tourists. Due to its popularity, the fountain not only pleases spectators, but also actively supports the local economy, attracting more and more visitors to Chicago.
The Crown Fountain operates from May to October. It is sometimes stopped for maintenance or due to bad weather. The sculpture is always crowded. The fountain area has become a favorite spot for Chicago party-goers. There are always many tourists and bloggers taking photos and recording videos.
The Crown Fountain is not just an architectural marvel, but a living part of Chicago. It symbolizes the spirit of the city, its diversity and uniqueness. If you are impressed by this water video sculpture, be sure to check out other amazing fountains around the world. Check out our page where we have collected 25 of the most amazing fountains that will amaze and inspire.