Kinetic DeLight is a 40-foot interactive art installation that brought light, play, and motion to Portland’s waterfront during the 2019 and 2020 Portland Winter Light Festivals. Designed and built by a team of landscape architects in collaboration with local fabricator Adam Pond, the piece featured hundreds of motion-activated LED skateboard wheels that illuminated with the spin of a hand—no power needed.

Designed for all ages and abilities, the installation encouraged spontaneous engagement and joyful connection. As a temporary, pro bono project, Kinetic DeLight offered a hands-on exploration of materiality, fabrication, and inclusive design at a civic scale, reimagining how public space can invite wonder, even if just for a few cold nights in February.

As a Senior Landscape Architect with Mayer/Reed, Tim Strand conceived the initial concept.

Mayer/Reed Team: Tim Strand, Joanna Schwartz, Josh Carlson, Kathy Fry