BEACON

Conceptualized by Grow House, a Brooklyn-based cooperative of Black creatives, innovators, and cultural archivists, this interactive installation invites visitors and residents of the Bed-Stuy neighborhood to engage with the area’s history — and its future. Reactive lighting transitions color in response to motion, inviting the public to become part of the piece.

Located in Fulton Plaza at the intersection of Fulton Street/Harriet Tubman Avenue and Malcom X Boulevard, this sculpture in the round celebrates the civil rights leader’s legacy as well as the Black communities who lived in the neighborhood throughout history. When viewed from various angles, these illuminated metal structures create the image on an “X,” which has multiple significant associations, including both Malcolm X’s name and a pun on “X marks the spot,” referring to the location itself.

The location, form, and interactive elements provide a reminder of the important history that was made in this rapidly changing area, and encourage gathering and movement throughout the space. It will be a stop along the historical walking tours planned by Grow House.

The construction and installation was a combined effort of businesses, the city, and community members, all of whom provided integral pieces to complete this project.

The three steel structures, designed by Andrea Steele Architecture and fabricated by SITU, feature, respectively, names of Black historical figures, a map of the area surrounding the plaza, and meaningful cultural symbols. On the other side of each one housed behind acrylic panels, NanoLine Original fixtures equipped with RGBW LEDs and Pixel controls react to the activity around them via motion sensors. Using the Pixel Controls, the color of the light can transition smoothly from one color to another.

From afar, the sculpture glows with a bright white light. As people approach, however, the light becomes warm, golden, and welcoming, inviting them to stop and explore the sculpture from its various points. The names, symbols, and maps encourage learning and curiosity, while the shape of the sculptures can serve as benches for gathering.