Molecules is a series of five interactive water molecules rising up from the Arizona Canal that come to life through the interactions of its users and the surrounding environment in Scottsdale, Arizona. The installation, created by The Urban Conga, is meant to showcase that, much like our communities, the water within the canal is created by a series of interpersonal connections between neighboring elements coming together around conflicting reactions.

Molecules was developed as an open-ended play experience talking about the climate crisis and our personal impact on the environment around us. The work allows people to look at how their individual response or action can impact a larger reaction, and that when we can work together with our neighbors it generates an even larger reaction. The utilization of the work and its reflection of light and sound as a component of play helps break down social barriers and allows people to connect and converse on a sometimes-uncomfortable conversation within the space, leading users to think about the water below and where it is going, who owns it, and how precious it is.

The piece contains five sets of water molecules, or a total of ten hydrogen and five oxygen atoms floating above the canal. Each molecule reacts to its user, the surrounding context, and the interactions between them by providing a playful opportunity for discovery. During the day, the work responds to the natural light by shifting and changing colors based on the angle in which it is viewed. Each panel takes on the identity of a screen reflecting the motion of the landscape and people passing by. The molecules line the edge of the canal, allowing for people to get close to the work and play with their reflections within the icosahedral spheres’ unique mirroring of color and light. At night, each molecule is illuminated from within by LED lighting that responds to visitors’ voices. An interaction point located at each molecule indicates where people’s voices can begin to shift and change the lighting of the work, highlighting the reflection that one’s voice has on the environment around them. As people talk, sing, and yell at the interaction point, the work begins to talk back; people begin to share their stories, tell it their dreams, yell out their frustrations, and even sing songs to the installation. Looking across the canal, people can see the conversations from afar as the lights pulsate and change colors based on the volume and tone of their voices. It transforms the edge of the canal into a spontaneous place for people to converse, connect, dance, sing, and play together.