Post by CuriousJM on May 21, 2023 9:52:08 GMT
The Valero Square, Jaffa Street, in the centre of Jerusalem features four (4) enormous parasols, shaped like giant poppy flowers, serving as shelter for passersby from the sun and rain. What sets these flowers apart is their unique design to automatically inflate and deflate whenever someone is in close proximity. However, if individuals remain near or under these flowers, they will stay open until there is no one nearby, after which they will deflate.
Titled 'Warde' (meaning flower), these stunning and captivating giant red poppy flowers, commissioned in 2014, were designed by the Tel Aviv-based firm HQ Architects. One pair of flowers is installed at the entrance to the square, and the second pair is at the nearby tram stop.
Each flower measures nine metres by nine metres and is equipped with motion and sound sensors, as well as a compressor for pneumatic operation. The interior of the flowers is adorned with lights, providing illumination at night.
In addition to opening and closing for passersby, these flowers fully open whenever the local tram approaches the nearby station, serving as an alert for passengers who wish to board the tram.
Image from Google Maps is by Israel Reiseleiter Ushi Engel
Source of information and some more pictures: hqa.co.il / inhabitat.com
Acknowledgment: I am thankful to Ivi Vasilopoulou, International Communications & New Business Manager, HQ Architects Ltd., who, on my request, sent me several pictures of the installation. Few of which have been included here. These pictures were taken by photographer Dor Kedmi.
Copyright: The images displayed here are the property of their respective owners.
