Photos: 7-9: Peter Vanderwarker, 10-11: Katie Porter, 2
and 12: Will Novak, 3: Valentin Berecht, 1: Christina O'Haver, 4: David Feldman, 5: Janet Echelman, 6: Katie Porter
Description
This project makes visible to the human eye the patterns of desert
winds. During the day, sunlight projects patterned shadow drawings
onto the ground and pedestrians on their daily paths. At night, the
colored illumination gradually changes color through the seasons.
The large three-dimensional multi-layered form is created by a combination
of hand and machine knotting of recyclable high-tenacity colored
polyester that is replaced in new color variations at intervals.
Materials
Painted galvanized steel and cables; changing sets
of recyclable high-tenacity polyester braided twine netting; colored
lighting with computerized programming.
Size and Arrangement
Poles: 105 feet, 125 feet and 145 feet
tall
Rings: Outer: 100 feet wide; Inner: 30 feet wide
Cable: 1 ¾ -inch cable; 1-inch cable
Net Dimensions: 100 feet wide at the top – 15 feet wide at
the bottom
The lowest part of the net hangs 38 feet above the ground. The highest
rises to about 100 feet.
Wind Load: designed to withstand summer monsoon winds.
Awards
2009 - Reader's Choice Award for "Best Public Art,", Phoenix
New Times
2009 - Crescordia Environmental Excellence Award for "Art in Public Places," Valley Forward Association
2008 - Award for Excellence in Structural Engineering, Arizona
Structural Engineering Association (ASEA)
