If these walls could sing: David Byrne plays a building
Only a mad genius like David Byrne can play architecture like a fiddle. As covered last week in the New York Times, Byrne, with the support of public art organization Creative Time, has transformed the Great Hall of the Battery Maritime Building into an industrial musical instrument. Under a giant skylight, an old organ sits in the middle of the empty space. Like a brain, it controls a complex system in which the building infrastructure has been commandeered by music-making mechanics. For beats, a metal rod bangs a giant radiator and spring-loaded coils tap on metal beams and columns. Motors vibrate support beams, providing the requisite bass. Rushes of wind through pumps and hoses simulate a cluster of flutes. For a better sense of how this abandoned building is played, watch the video on the NYT’s site. And if you find yourself in Lower Manhattan (specifically, on Whitehall Street), take a seat at the organ to construct your own sound from concrete, metal, and lots and lots of space.
“Playing the Building” runs through August 10, 2008 and is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. at the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Street, Lower Manhattan. Admission is free.
