An Icon to Bridge Public Spaces

WORLD-WIDE IDEAS COMPETITION  San José Light Tower Corporation held a competition to design a must-see landmark and create an attractor for people to build community through the exchange of ideas, experiences, and art.

ARENA GREEN REIMAGINED  A new urban plaza anchoring the southwest corner of the Arena Green, a Data Gate becomes the new entry to the park, with pedestrian paths and a landscaped bridge uniting the entire park from east to west. A “path of silence” along the pathways and bridge is created by a sound cancelation system, providing a peaceful experience and respite from the busy city.

BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE  A dynamic symbol of information and technology, the Data Gate is experiential and changing dependent on time and position, composed of a 3D lattice of identical modules. Net Zero Energy is achieved using photovoltaic cells embedded on the bridge surface and in the hardscape. Digitally controlled lighting brings it to life, where artists sample data provided by park visitors to create varied lighting effects.