Lightsculptures Education Building Atrium Utah State University Logan, Utah Three @ 12.0' high x 14.5' long x 4.5' wide each (3.7 m x 4.4 m x 1.4 m) Materials: Leaded Glass, Steel, Aluminum, Lexan Mirror Only after careful study of this narrow, sixty foot high atrium through a scale model and examination of the seasonal variation of sun angles, was the form for the three sculptural elements conceived.
Because direct sun only reaches the top (fourth) floor during the winter, and during the summer solstice barely penetrates to the floor, the "Lightsculptures" were designed to animate the space with projected and reflected light. During the winter months the upper, more vertical of the two legs composing each "L-shaped" element reflects the precious low sunlight down into the otherwise darkened atrium. These reflections are accomplished through the use of mirror behind the stained glass.
A warm glass palette in these upper sections provides an appropriate contrast to winter weather.
During the summer months the lower legs become emphasized as the sun climbs higher in the sky during its seasonal migration. Without mirror, the lower areas of the sculptures directly project sunlight into the atrium washing the northern wall with the cool colors of glass used in these sections.