THE ARTWORK
THE ARTWORK
Iceberg by ATOMIC3 and Appareil Architecture invites you to step inside its metal structure evoking these majestic ice monuments, where the reality of a natural phenomenon is transformed into a moving light and sound experience.
In their natural state, icebergs resonate like gigantic frozen musical instruments as water seeps into their cracks and crevices. Inspired by this phenomenon, Iceberg emits sounds that shift and evolve with your presence, mirroring the melting process of the ice.
In their natural state, icebergs resonate like gigantic frozen musical instruments as water seeps into their cracks and crevices. Inspired by this phenomenon, Iceberg emits sounds that shift and evolve with your presence, mirroring the melting process of the ice.
The northern atmosphere also transforms as you approach: watch the iceberg’s walls warm in your presence, inviting you to reflect on humanity’s impact on nature and the urgent need to protect our planet.
The northern atmosphere also transforms as you approach: watch the iceberg’s walls warm in your presence, inviting you to reflect on humanity’s impact on nature and the urgent need to protect our planet.
THE artists
THE artists
© Jocelyn Michel
Multidisciplinary creative studio bringing together artists and designers from diverse backgrounds, ATOMIC3 was founded in 2012 by director Félix Dagenais and lighting designer Louis-Xavier Gagnon-Lebrun, with the aim of pursuing their artistic research beyond the walls of the theatre and inventing new ways to tell stories and spark the imagination.
Stepping out of the theatre’s black box, spectators become participants, and stories turn into interactive artworks where matter, light, music, and new technologies converge. ATOMIC3 was responsible for the artistic direction, lighting design, and production of Iceberg.
© Charlie Lesmarois
APPAREIL Architecture is a Montreal-based firm whose mission is to work with suppliers and clients to promote a healthy and responsible way of life, while reducing the ecological footprint on our land to generate a positive impact with every project. The firm also strives to create unique experiences through architecture that showcases Nordic identity. APPAREIL Architecture was responsible for the architectural design of Iceberg.
Creative Intent
Creative Intent
It was in 2012, already driven by a growing environmental awareness, that ATOMIC3 created Iceberg.
"The seasons aren't what they used to be, the earth's climate has gone off course. Climate change is transforming how we relate to our world, how we live, even how we experience the city."
Although melting is a natural part of their life cycle, some environmental groups estimate that, due to climate change, the vast Arctic region has lost 40% of its ice over the past 40 years. This is alarming, as it threatens not only the ecosystem of this polar region (we can think of polar bear populations…) but so much more.
Although melting is a natural part of their life cycle, some environmental groups estimate that, due to climate change, the vast Arctic region has lost 40% of its ice over the past 40 years. This is alarming, as it threatens not only the ecosystem of this polar region (we can think of polar bear populations…) but so much more.
With a desire to raise awareness through art, ATOMIC3 chose the iceberg as a symbol to illustrate a broader issue: climate change. Icebergs are often described as barometers of the global climate, as their melting is a direct indicator of global warming.
The rapid melting of glaciers and sea ice worldwide could cause ocean levels to rise enough to flood hundreds of coastal cities, as well as severely disrupt the ocean current circulation (thermohaline) which is essential for transporting heat across the planet and playing a crucial role in regulating the global climate.
The rapid melting of glaciers and sea ice worldwide could cause ocean levels to rise enough to flood hundreds of coastal cities, as well as severely disrupt the ocean current circulation (thermohaline) which is essential for transporting heat across the planet and playing a crucial role in regulating the global climate.
© Steve Amstrup, USFWS
DID YOU KNOW?
An iceberg is a floating mass of ice that has broken off from a glacier or an ice floe and drifts in the ocean, carried by ocean currents. Icebergs can vary widely in shape, size (ranging from the size of small cars to extending over several kilometers), and color.
Although they are not living, icebergs have a life cycle. An iceberg is born from a larger ice formation created over millennia (glaciers or ice floes), then breaks off, drifts in the ocean, and eventually melts.
A medium sized iceberg.
© Jon Brack, National Science Foundation
The gigantic B-15A iceberg in Antarctica, roughly the size of Connecticut
© Josh Landis, National Science Foundation
Icebergs can travel long distances and survive for years. When they encounter warmer waters, they begin to melt. This melting can be accelerated by the temperature of the water and by waves eroding the ice.
While icebergs are popularly known as hazards to navigation (think about the Titanic movie!), it’s important to remember that they also play a vital role in the well-being of our planet.
Artistic Approach
Artistic Approach
To illustrate the long journey of an iceberg, from its descent into polar waters to its dissolution near southern coastlines, with a static architectural installation, the ATOMIC3 team cleverly relied on sound and light to tell its story.
The creators describe Iceberg as “a giant organ” that the audience can play or simply listen to by entering its tunnel of luminous arches.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that icebergs naturally “make music”? Scientific evidence shows that when water flows through cracks and tunnels inside an iceberg, it causes the ice to vibrate, much like air moving through an organ pipe to produce sound.
The moving water creates a kind of humming or vibration of the iceberg, as if it were a massive frozen musical instrument.
Flue pipes of an organ
© Alexandre Poirier
Crevasses in a glacier
This acoustic property is due to the shape and size of the crevasses, which act as natural resonating chambers. The tones therefore modulate and transform throughout the iceberg’s slow melting.
Additionally, in the presence of visitors, the light of Iceberg shifts from blue to scarlet, as human activity warms it. This visual metaphor reminds us of our responsibility in the face of climate change.
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