At a key transition in the airport, the artwork transforms the incoming daylight into a soft, volumetric expression of Phoenix’s vibrant desert environment.

Images

THE 193-FOOT LONG ART INSTALLATION EMBODIES THE ATMOSPHERIC QUALITIES OF PHOENIX'S DESERT LIGHT

THE ARTWORK’S COLORS REFLECT THE TONALITIES OF THE WARM LANDSCAPE AND THE EXTRAORDINARY COLORS OF THE SKY TRANSITIONING FROM DARK BLUE THROUGH THE SUNSET INTO THE CLEAR DARK NIGHTS

VIEW BEHIND THE ART INSTALLATION WITH DETAIL OF THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE AND HEXAGONAL FOLDED REFLECTOR FORMS

FULL SCALE STUDIO MOCK-UP

MOCK-UP INVESTIGATING STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE ON SITE

Description

The artwork’s colors reflect the tonalities of the warm landscape and the extraordinary colors of the sky transitioning from dark blue through the sunset into the clear dark nights. The intermixing light of the blue and gold cells speaks to the constant view of landscape merging with sky. The work is a poetic translation of the constant and powerful presence of the horizon line in Arizona’s landscape.

The artwork runs the length of the renovated circulation bridge linking the North Concourse with the newly renovated Terminal 3 and Grand Hall. The luminous volume of the artwork is generated by sun light entering the bridge’s west-facing window wall and interacting with a matrix of suspended gold and blue hexagonal reflectors, the resulting effects captured by a delicately etched plane of glass.

The artwork reduces the intensity of Phoenix’s light while accentuating its specific spatial and temporal qualities. The reflectors imbue the incoming light with color and optical effects, that when viewed in motion, spark a dream-like sense of wonderment and welcome respite from the frantic pace of air travel. At night, a calming level of artificial light is punctuated by exterior light activity.

Commissioned by City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture
Engineer: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger