Designed for a light rail platform located by a sports complex and dog park, Bird’s Eye, Bug’s Eye invites visitors to see the surrounding area from the perspective of a flying bird or a bug in the grass. Two large sculptures giant dandelions (or are they bouncing balls?) sprout up and tower over the station. The balls are formed from hundreds of dichroic glass discs, which shift color as you move. Shade screens integrated into the station architecture feature cut patterns inspired by natural growth and movement patterns. Eight porcelain enamel medallions are mounted on the shade screens. Four large circles feature colorful bird’s eye views of the ball fields, surrounding area, and mountains in the background. The landscape images are fragmented into overlapping dots, inspired by birds’ vision. Four smaller medallions feature images of dogs playing and chasing balls, as seen from low down in the grass.

Date: 2024
Mofford Light Rail Station, Phoenix, AZ
Commissioning agency: Valley Metro.
Materials: Dichroic glass, stainless steel, painted steel, porcelain enamel on steel
Design Team: Dig Studio, Creative Designs in Lighting
Fabrication: Magnum Companies, KVO Industries, Goldray Glass