Perkins&Will

Currents create momentum, set events in motion, and propel us to new places. A current is a force with the power to change minds, transport data, move bodies of water, and alter the course of wind. It’s an electrical spark, an explosion of energy and light. Currents move through people, carrying ideas and the exchange of information across time and space. To be current is to be actively unfolding, ever present, and of the moment, and yet already on the way to somewhere else. The exploration of constant movement drives Currents of Chicago, a moving image work by Perkins&Will, that captures the dynamic and multifaceted flows within the urban context of Chicago—a city renowned for its visionary urban planning, iconic architecture, and deep connection to natural resources like the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. This work illustrates how various streams—natural, human, and technological—converge to create the city’s vibrant pulse. It’s a story of engineered landscapes, industrial innovation, cultural expression, and the relentless momentum of progress. It is also a deliberate exploration of the currents shaping the future—a future where design, technology, and nature intersect to create a more resilient, connected, and human-centered city. Chicago’s energy is not just a by product of history, but a force intentionally directed toward progress, ensuring that as the city evolves, it does so with purpose, adaptability, and a vision for a more sustainable and thriving urban environment.