Client: U.S. Army

Overview

This 53' by 23' wall sculpture is the center piece in the main lobby of the new on base hospital at Fort Benning, GA. It can be seen from multiple entry points and floors and is made from aluminum composite panels over a wood frame.

Goals

Fort Benning is where the U.S. Army trains it's paratroopers, part of the training process includes jumping from a training tower. This abstract version of the jump tower had to be dynamic without being overbearing, and blend well with the modern architecture of the new hospital while conveying the strength and stability of the U.S. Army.

Process

The art consultant on this project brought me in after the concept for the jump tower had already been approved by the client. It was my job to work out all of the details, fabricate, install, and of course make it look good! Some of the challenges of making this piece were keeping it light weight enough to attach to a sheet rock wall 70' in the air but still look heavy and stable. Also designing it so it could be broken into sections for transport and installation. The client gave the art consultant a 7 day window to install this piece and hundreds of others so it was paramount that this piece install quickly and easily.

Additional Information

I don't have a wall in my studio large enough to assemble this sculpture to make sure all of the pieces fit together properly. I spent weeks generating hundreds of drawings and cut all of the parts on my cnc router to insure they were spot on. I did a couple of full scale mock ups to test my design, but had no of knowing for sure everything fit together until I got on site. Everything fit perfectly with no on site modifications. It took me and a helper 24 hours to get it installed.