Interactive Art in Public Spaces
We do not just decorate streets; we design interactive landmarks that turn neglected urban corners into vibrant, community-led spaces for everyone to enjoy.
This video showcases our 'Squares of Light' installation, also known as The Family Tree. It's an interactive sculpture that invites people to play, take photos, and become part of the art itself, fostering a sense of community.
The 'NEST 2022' annual tree installation at The Steps, Bandra, from concept to rendered reality. This abstract sculptural piece, inspired by a bird's nest, symbolizes home, rest, and unity, creating a beloved selfie point for the community.
People interacting with the transformed 'Family Tree' installation, now adorned with colorful panels. The piece evolves with the seasons and festivals, reflecting the multicultural spirit of Mumbai.
Children playing with glowing sticks inside the 'Family Tree' light installation. Our public art is designed to be playful and engaging for all ages, sparking imagination and creating lasting memories.
Children interacting closely with the illuminated frames of the 'Family Tree'. We design these installations to be durable and safe, encouraging tactile exploration and creating a multisensory experience.
A child explores the colorful, translucent panels of the 'Family Tree' installation. The play of light, color, and reflection creates a magical atmosphere, especially at night.
A group poses for a photo within the 'Family Tree' installation. Our goal is to create landmarks that people connect with personally, turning public spaces into backdrops for their own stories.
The 'Family Tree' installation illuminated at night, casting colorful shadows on the ground. The design considers both the daytime and nighttime experience, ensuring the artwork is a vibrant presence around the clock.
A close-up of the multi-colored, illuminated panels of the 'Family Tree'. The geometric design and vibrant colors create a dynamic visual effect that changes as you move around it.
Colorful shadows cast by the 'Family Tree' installation on the pavement. Even the shadows become part of the artwork, creating an ever-changing pattern on the ground.
About Art in Public Spaces
Public art needs to be durable and interactive, not just something to look at. When we design an installation like The Family Tree or NEST 2022, we balance weather-resistant materials like structural steel and LED with tactile, safe edges that invite children to touch, play, and engage. It is about creating a landmark that survives the Mumbai monsoon while remaining open and welcoming 24/7.
For us, art is the soul of a city. It is what gives a space its identity. We view public art not as a luxury item or a one-time decoration, but as a catalyst for community interaction.
When we take on a project, whether it is a park, a transit point, or a neglected alleyway, we start by observing how people actually move through that space. We look for the gaps where life could happen. We call this 'Mumbai ka swag'—designing features that fit the specific rhythm of our city.
Our process involves several key layers:
- Site-Specific Design: We do not believe in off-the-shelf installations. Every piece we create, like our light sculptures at The Steps, is designed to respond to the specific geometry and footfall of the location.
- Durability & Safety: We specify locally sourced, robust materials like reinforced steel and weather-treated finishes. Our designs must withstand the elements and heavy public use, ensuring they remain safe for kids to play on and sturdy enough to last.
- Inclusive Engagement: We prioritize universal access. This means our art is not behind a fence. It is integrated into the ground plane, with ramp access and open layouts that encourage people to walk through, sit, or take photos.
This work is professional, yet rooted in a pro-bono spirit of civic duty. We offer structured packages for civic placemaking, ranging from ₹3,50,000 to ₹6,50,000, which cover everything from the initial contextual study of the neighborhood to the final installation of hardscape, lighting, and art nodes. If you have a neglected spot that needs activation, we are ready to help you rethink it.
Abraham John Architects
We are Alan and Anca. We run Abraham John Architects with a simple belief: that every city space has the potential to be a community hub if you design it with the people in mind. We love working with neighborhoods to reclaim streets, add greenery, and install art that brings people together.
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