What if a moment just outside an Airport TSA security makes you stop, think, reflect, and take another look, thankful you stumbled across something unexpected, wondrous, and beautiful?
Charles Bo Turner, an architect with Derthick Henley & Wilkerson specializing in Architecture Interiors and Design, faces a significant challenge: redesigning the Chattanooga Regional Airport. His goal is to create a centerpiece that not only engages travelers but also instills a sense of peace and inspiration.
Inspired by Luminux's “Flight” installation at Fayetteville Airport, Bo envisions a design using Luminux's lightweight, mirror-like panels to transform the airport's large hall into an inviting space. He selects a calming shade of blue for the sculpture, integrating parts with reflective surfaces arranged in an upward spherical motion, aiming to lift the spirits of travelers. Bo starts with hand-drawn sketches, which are then translated by Luminux into 3D models for clearer visualization.
When Bo presents his concept to the Jancik Arts team, Angelique Jackson is immediately drawn to its charm. Over the weekend, she created a montage to better illustrate the framework that will support the Luminux panels and determine the attachment points for adjustable aircraft cables. Building a model proves essential for resolving potential challenges such as anchor points, panels placement, and points of connection, leading to a clearer vision of the final ceiling sculpture installation.
Once the concept and budget receive approval, construction of Coeruleum Ascent begins. This involves bending aluminum tubes into variously sized rings. Three designs of Luminux panels are chosen: a pure Luminux with no print, a metallic blue, and the Whirlwind design. Each panel is bent to match the rings' radii.
The sculpture, rendered in warm tones of gold and amber with contrasting silver lines, evokes the energy of a whirlwind in abstract form. The swirling patterns resemble a gentle breeze through an autumn landscape, creating a sense of movement and serving as a focal point.
The sculpture is first assembled in the shop to address any potential issues, ensuring it can be installed quickly the next day. All cables and panels are adjusted to their final positions and marked for easy installation.
Once satisfied with the balance and completeness of the sculpture, it is disassembled and shipped to Chattanooga Airport. The rings are lifted into place in the airport's waiting area using scissor lifts and attached to the ceiling.
Thanks to the prior in-shop assembly, attaching the sculpture to the ceiling goes smoothly. The panels are installed on the rings according to the instructions marked with blue masking tape.
The ceiling sculpture takes full advantage of Luminux's properties: it is lightweight, bendable, printable, and reflective.
The result is a display with gentle color effects and subtle movement, which appears to sway with the air currents in the airport corridor
Measuring about 6’ 4” wide and 8’ 4” high, the sculpture weighs less than 200 lbs. This thoughtful design enhances the airport's aesthetic appeal, contributing to a tranquil and uplifting environment for travelers.
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