Murmuration Public Art Installation
RDG Planning & Design
Recognitions:
AIA Iowa 2023 Craft Awards
Project Description
Murmuration, inspired by nature, is a nod to the energy and invisible forces that guide members of our firm to act together for a greater purpose: each unique person striving both individually and as part of the whole.
Over 450 individually handmade slip cast forms comprise Murmuration, including 40 fitted with flexible thin-film OLED lighting to enhance how the installation changes with the space’s natural and artificial light throughout the day. The slip casting technique uses clay mixed with water and sodium silicate, forming a liquid that is poured onto a plaster slab. When the clay reaches a “rubber” consistency, the bird shape is cut from each slab and draped over a form to dry, then fired in kilns.