Design Objective: The goal of this project was to create an art wall treatment that would converge the core values of the University of Santa Clara with the new science and technology building and curriculum. The mural was designed to be located in the entrance of the state-of-the-art facility, which was designed and managed by ZGF architects. The "Converging Influences" art tech wall was commissioned by the University of Santa Clara's Campus for Innovation and Discovery to create an interactive and visually striking display that unites the core values of the university with the aesthetic and intellectual atmosphere of the campus. The wall was installed on October 15, 2021.

Design Concept: The custom-fabricated 3D wall incorporates LED pixel mapping technology, custom-made software, and generative animated lighting control and playback to create an interactive and visually striking display. The wall was designed with the intention of uniting the core values of the university with the aesthetic and intellectual atmosphere of the Campus for Innovation and Discovery. The mural features a 3D surface that was panelized and milled using Corian and Clear Acrylic. The names of individual donors who contributed to the university are featured in multiple tiers. In addition to the incredible detail and beautiful finishes, embedded individually addressable LED lighting is used throughout to create intrigue. The lighting is pixel-mapped and animated to help convey the concepts of interweaving discovery and innovation. The design of the mural was created using a procedural design approach, allowing for a high level of flexibility and adaptability.

Type: Art Wall, Permanent Lighting Installation, 3D Relief Carving, Mural, Interactive Lighting

Techniques: Procedural Design, Panelization, CNC Milling, Pixel-Mapping, Generative animation, Software Development

Materials: Corian, Acrylic, LED lighting, Steel Frame, Plywood Backboard

Partners: ZGF Architects