Completed in 2014 by a team that included University Health System of San Antonio, Perkins + Will, Vaughn Construction, Layton Construction, and others, the new Sky Tower at University Hospital in San Antonio features more than 1,200 pieces of art on display in public areas and the surrounding grounds. One such installation brings an array of hues to the elevated bridge that connects the hospital to the parking garage with 42 LED backlit panels, adding color to what otherwise could have been simply a monotone portion of the complex.
Created by local artist Ansen Seale and a collaboration between the hospital’s board, electronic engineers, and glass experts, the interactive You Activate this Space installation at University Hospital is constructed of LED lighting, steel supports, and glass panels that light up in response to the movement of people throughout the space. The panels change colors as people walk through and eventually fade back to the original colors, leaving behind a trailing effect for staff members that are entering and leaving work.
At night, the glass panels illuminate the bridge with a rainbow of colors that can be constantly changing with the influx of people walking to and from the hospital. From the surrounding grounds this LED installation offers a unique and energetic view into the transition space. An audio soundtrack of chime tones that accompanies the installation serves to calm and relax occupants as they activate the lights throughout the bridge.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Coatings | May 6, 2015
Color and Contrast in the Built Environment
Because color is incredibly subjective, personal and situational, it is difficult to study scientifically. There is no conclusive evidence to fully support one color’s beneficial effects on the human mind and body over another color.
Sponsored | Coatings | Apr 20, 2015
Wayfinding With Color
Color’s prominent role in wayfinding has become a focus in architecture, as color association is strong and memorable for regular occupants and occasional visitors alike.
Sponsored | | Mar 23, 2015
Brightening Young Minds with Color
Education is changing, and school design is changing with it. The old-fashioned classroom, filled with rows of front-facing desks, is giving way to other types of learning spaces.
Sponsored | | Feb 25, 2015
Light and bright can cool you down
Colors can be a helpful tool for meeting energy performance goals.
Sponsored | | Jan 15, 2015
5 design considerations when selecting color for healthcare facilities
In an environment where the chief task is to heal the sick and injured, color matters for both patients and healthcare personnel.
Sponsored | | Dec 12, 2014
Coloring in the Lines
Behind the science – and history – of finding the ‘right’ color
Sponsored | Coatings | Nov 6, 2014
Spanning the Spectrum
Chameleons are known for changing their skin colors to suit the observer, but what if a building can too?
