Client: Dayton Children's Hospital

Overview

The artistic challenge was to create a large constellation of 'pixie dust' in the large new 30 ft. high two story atrium space leading to a new hospital tower. Twenty-two sections of 8' x 8' x 8' 'exploding' mobiles of wire, dichroic ovals, acrylic prisms and Swarofski crystals helps to unify a variety of spaces including reception, informal play areas and waiting areas. The 'S' shape constellation is 90' x 24' x 14' and varies in shape.

Goals

The first goal of this work was to help connect and draw the eyes of visitors from the floor and a number of informal active play elements on one end of the lobby to a more reserved waiting area at the other end of the lobby. The second goal was to take advantage of the natural and artificial light coming from 5 large randomly positioned skylights with deep stepped coffers.

Process

Initial collaboration with the owner, architects, and designers of other elements in the space was directed by the art consultant. It was a very open process that required a lot of trust and sharing of ideas. A lot of suggestions were made that caused a number of positive changes over a 6 month design and muck up period. I used the architects CAD model to create and insert a model of the entire sculpture prior to final production. This modeling and mock up process gave the team confidence in their decisions.

Additional Information

The two week installation process was also coordinated by tight scheduling with the construction manager while the building was still under construction and delivered on time.