Linear Motion

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Linear Motion in 2007

Linear Motion is an interactive kinetic sculpture mounted outside the McWane Science Center's IMAX Dome theater facing the corner of 18th Street and 2nd Avenue North. It was designed by Lloyd Cooper of Push Product Design and fabricated by Advanced Manufacturing Systems in Decatur. It made its debut at the Center's 10th anniversary party on July 12, 2008.

Plaque for Linear Motion

The 9,000-pound sculpture consists of a series of 18 curved, reflective panels mounted on independently-moving arms counterbalanced with pre-cast concrete blocks. The arms can be set into motion by stepping on lighted square panels set into the paving below. The sculpture can also react to music or to pre-programmed inputs.

The reflective panels are curved to join visitors on the plaza visually with the city's skyline. The pendulum mechanisms demonstrate principles of mechanical motion. The interactive aspect makes the sculpture seem to "bow" to visitors upon approaching the museum.

The installation and other plaza renovations were funded by a $1 million grant from the Joseph S. Bruno Charitable Foundation.

References

  • Ray, Tiffany (July 13, 2008) "McWane Center's 10th birthday bash on verge of posting record attendance." Birmingham News

Extnernal links