"A-SPIRE" - University of Minnesota Science, Teaching and Student Service Center, Minneapolis, USA

in collaboration with Alexander Tylevich

Client: Public Art on Campus / Weismann Art Museum
Architect: Kohn Pedersen Fox, and Hammel Green Abrahamson
Photo credits: Tim Griffith

Technique: Slumped dichroic safety glass.

DESCRIPTION: Two cable-formed cones reach toward each other. This cone of cables supports a spiral made of vivid dichroic glass. The spiral unravels above the third floor, untangling into codependent strips of dichroic glass, which follows the curves of the stairway and atrium-floor openings.

The lower installation develops up from the ground level. A web of cables holds a stainless steel spiral positioned in front of an array of letters, numerals and scientific symbols representing the fundamentals of science. The spiral itself contains images related to the subjects taught in the building. As part of the architectural treatment of the spiral, these images are embedded into recessed half-spheres of polished stainless steel.

"This project was among the most successful collaborative project in my practice. It was a true team effort with Peters Studios,, KPF and HGA Architects and McGough Construction Company.

Peters Studios provided invaluable expertise throughout the design and frabrication process.. The dichroic art glass component of this 80ft. tall sculpture was executed flawlessly - and even ahead of schedule!"

Alexander Tylevich, Artist

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