Florescence

Overview

Designed for the new Recreation Center in Aurora, CO, Florescence is a dynamic expression of growth, change, and community. By blending input from the local community with careful integration into the building’s architecture, the artwork fosters a sense of discovery and intrigue for visitors. The title, Florescence, refers to a period of flourishing, symbolizing the ongoing development of both Aurora’s natural landscape and its diverse, connected community.

Details

Completed: 2022
Medium: Painted and Powder Coated Aluminum
Location: Aurora, CO
Size: 3,000 sqft
IG: #p1_florescence

Description
The concept behind Florescence is driven by two key ideas: growth and community. Aurora is a city experiencing significant growth, from its built environment to the natural flora covering its rolling hills. The artwork draws on patterns found in both human activity and nature to create an artistic ecosystem that mirrors this sense of development and transformation.

The theme of community is represented through vibrant color transitions, symbolizing the diversity of Aurora’s residents. These colors work together as a cohesive composition, yet each hue maintains its individuality, much like the unique voices within a connected community. The openness of the design is inspired by the vast prairie landscape that surrounds the city, with its interconnected ecosystem serving as a metaphor for the people of Aurora.

Formally, the installation starts with 2D patterns that seem to grow off the walls, evolving into suspended elements that float through the space. These components are designed to look as if they’re being carried by the wind down the architectural “canyon,” visually connecting the artwork throughout the Recreation Center’s atrium, and creating a cohesive experience that invites exploration and engagement.