Solar Sculpture commission awarded to a collaboration between Fairfield Enterprises, Marcus Engineering, and Taylor Designs.
On December 27th the Tucson International Airport released news of a Solar Sculpture commission awarded to a collaboration between Fairfield Enterprises, Marcus Engineering, and Taylor Designs. The scultpure will be nearly twenty feet tall, made from polished stainless steel, and will incorporate high intensity solar powered LED lighting which changes through a rainbow of pleasing color patterns.
The commission is another demonstration of Tucson’s solar leadership and will serve as an inspiration to visitors and residents alike. “It is truly amazing what we can accomplish within the bounds of responsible energy use and sustainability.” Said Dr. Marcus, “Our new media art and solar powered works harness the human senses to change the way we view art.”
Premier solar manufacturer Global Solar Energy has also come forward to support the project. Global Solar has been a long time member of the community supplying jobs and a base of advanced thin film solar cell development technologies.
The idea of solar new media art isn’t entirely novel. Marcus and Fairfield have been building solar power new media art sculptures for the better part of 10 years having delivered exciting interactive works of art to Roanoke, VA; Green Bay, WI; Phoenix, and Tucson.
More than a year ago at a Solar Roundtable discussion hosted by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords’ there was discussion of solar powered sculptures in and around Tucson. The roundtable was attended by individuals dedicated and interested in Tucson’s solar initiatives including Mayor Bob Walkup, Tucson Electric Power Company CEO Paul Bonavia, and Tucson Airport Authority President and CEO Bonnie Allin.
There is a lot to be said for place marking Solar Sculptures as being potential beacons throughout the community highlighting Tucson’s dedication to our solar future as well as beautifying our city in a unique and cohesive way. Locations such as Tucson International Airport, The University of Arizona, Innovation Park in Oro Valley, The Solar Zone at the U of A Science and technology Park, as well as Downtown Tucson were all discussed as possible venues for such work.
The Solar Sculpture will be unveiled in April, and will serve as a dedication to Arizona’s centennial.
Source: Marcus Engineering