Magnetic Anomaly, SeaTac Airport, Seattle, Washington

A collaboration with SOM Architecture on a series of suspended sculptures for the new International Arrivals Terminal at the SeaTac Airport. Inspired by old aviation maps of the area around SeaTac that outlined an area called a magnetic anomaly, a disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field that makes compass readings unreliable, the artwork consists of a series of 20’ tall, suspended columns powered by invisible magnetic fields. Each column has powerful magnets embedded inside hundreds of horizontal aluminum beams, all supported by a central central spine that allows them to rotate freely. A simple ceiling fan motor slowly spins the top beam whose magnets invisibly set the other beams in motion. The intent was to create a captivating, but calming, experience for arriving passengers. Completed in 2022, the budget was $1 million dollars.