Shaping the Heart of Times Square
Challenge
Formlabs, in collaboration with designers Aranda/Lasch and Marcelo Coelho, sought to create and install a groundbreaking 3D-printed sculpture at the heart of Times Square. The project needed to capture the complexity and innovation behind the Window to the Heart installation—a 12-foot diameter sculpture made of 98 concentric rings, each consisting of over 1,000 individually 3D-printed lens segments. The challenge was to document this intricate process while showcasing the blend of cutting-edge technology and artistic craftsmanship.
Solution
I produced Window to the Heart, a short-format documentary that provides an in-depth look at the creation and installation of this monumental sculpture. Over the course of a month, I documented the production process from start to finish, capturing the meticulous work involved in crafting each high-resolution lens segment using Formlabs' clear resin. The film highlights the collaboration between the designers and Formlabs’ technology, emphasizing the fusion of art and innovation that made this sculpture possible. Through dynamic visuals and a focus on the craftsmanship behind each element, the documentary brought the process and the larger artistic vision to life.
Results
The documentary successfully showcased the complexity and beauty of the Window to the Heart sculpture, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of 3D printing and large-scale art installations. The film not only highlighted the capabilities of Formlabs’ technology but also celebrated the collaborative spirit of modern design, elevating both the company and its creative partners in the public eye.
"Window to the Heart"
Highlights the significance of Times Square as a symbol of our interconnected world, where individuals constantly capture & share their experiences through the lens of a camera. It emphasizes how the lens has become the unspoken hero of our media culture, shaping our perception and understanding of reality. This sets the stage for the introduction of the Window to the Heart project.
The film concludes by showcasing the Window to the Heart installation in all its glory at Times Square. Viewers witness the lens warping the image of Times Square, attracting attention and encouraging people to look through the heart-shaped window.The documentary highlights the profound impact of the installation, urging individuals to question the way they see and photograph the world. It prompts viewers to reconsider their relationship with lenses and the media culture that surrounds them.
