There is something new, and very big, now greeting travelers at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
High above the entry to Terminal 2 hangs a sculpture created by local students. It’s called “Spectroplexus,” and was created through a partnership between Lambert’s Art and Culture Program and Washington University.
“What can you do in this very unique space that’s going to give a great welcome experience for visitors but also wow the people that fly out of here every week,” explained Jeff Lea, an airport spokesman and Coordinator for the Arts and Culture Program.
To answer that question, Lambert commissioned graduate students at Wash U’s Sam Fox School of Art and Visual Design. The students designed the installation in a digital fabrication class.
Spectroplexus is a 100-foot long structure, made of more than 1,500 carbon fiber rhomboid-shaped modules and polycarbonate sheets of various colors.
Student Marija Draskic hopes travelers will stop to consider the piece.
“I want them to feel like, hmm, this is actually beautiful,” she said. “It looks interesting, from this side it looks different. I just want them to be interested in the beauty that can be made with such an intricate structure.”
“I hope when people see this, they pause for a moment,” added Jason Butz, who lectured the students in class and led the project.
“The airport is place where you really want to get in and out… it’s a transient space. You’re moving through as quickly as possible. You have somewhere to be. And I think this piece, if nothing else, provides a moment for people to stop and reflect, and we’re generating curiosity.”
The sculpture hangs Terminal 2, where fliers traveling on Southwest Airlines enter through security. It will remain there for about 18 months.
To learn more about Spectroplexus, visit the project’s website.
