The curving, aerodynamic volumes of light create a heightened sense of the Bay Area's unique environment while also contributing significantly to this public space’s daylighting and thermal control.
SCULPTURAL LIGHT REFLECTORS
SAN FRANCISCO, USA
2000
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THE SCULPTURAL LIGHT REFLECTORS HARNESS THE BAY AREA'S BUOYANT LIGHT
THE INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL IS DESIGNED BY SKIDMORE, OWINGS & MERRILL
THE ARTWORK IS INTEGRATED WITHIN THE ROOF STRUCTURE
THE REFLECTORS BOTH MODERATE THE LIGHT AND REVEAL ITS MOST BUOYANT QUALITIES
THE REFLECTORS CREATE A SERENE SPATIAL EXPERIENCE
THE FORMS WERE STUDIED AND DEVELOPED THROUGH SCALE MODELS
STUDY MODEL
Description
The Sculptural Light Reflectors are suspended within the central bay of the skylit roof beams of the Departures Hall of the new International Terminal at San Francisco International Airport. These three-dimensional roof beams define an inner volume in which the Reflectors modulate natural light from the moment it enters the building, contributing to light and thermal control at the skylight roof level.
The reflector arches in two directions, creating a double curvature and billowing form to scatter light. The reflector, a lightweight tensile fabric structure, is comprised of a rigid perimeter frame with a coated fiberglass fabric stretched into shape by Kevlar ropes. The perimeter of the reflector is highlighted by a reflective beveled glass corona, which projects a subtle play of light reflection over the course of the day.
Architect/Engineer: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill