Client

Overview

The canopy's two layers are designed to evoke the jacaranda tree at different seasons of the year. This motif was selected by Jan Hendrix due to its prevalence in Aguascalientes. The project features a two-tiered canopy of aluminum plates. The first layer, suspended on the bottom of the canopy, shows the overlapping branches of the jacaranda tree at different seasons of the year. The second layer of cutout leaves is installed 16″ above the lower ceiling canopy. Both layers of cut-out metal are painted to create the white 1/2″ aluminum plate.

Goals

Numerous jacarandas are planted in parks and public area across the City of Aguascalientes as well as throughout central Mexico. Their blooms are heralded as a symbol of the beginning of the spring season. While the canopy depicts the leaves and branches of the jacaranda tree, the column shows the profile of their famous blooms. In this manner, the patio shows the entire lifespan for the blooms of the jacaranda through all four seasons.

Process

To accommodate the intricate lines, the artwork is fairly thin in some areas, ¼” aluminum plate was used to water jet-cut the desired pattern. Using plate material gives extra support for artwork, and keeps delicate lines from bending or becoming misshapen as the public interacts with the art.

Jan Hendrix supplied Zahner with models, sketches, and finished drawings of the artwork. Zahner team of design engineers translated the artwork into files for manufacturing and cutting the metal shapes out of the aluminum plate. After the cutting process was completed, the panels and structural components were painted white and sent to the job site in Mexico for installation.

Additional Information

The distance between the two layers gives the illusion of peering through tree branches. Intriguing shadows are also created, offering an immersive, shaded area for pedestrians in the city square to rest beneath.