Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital - Sky Plaza Mobile
Location: Cypress, TX
Interior Designer: PAGE/
Artist: Studio Lilica
Overview:
The Sky Plaza Mobile at Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital is a monumental kinetic installation that transforms the vast vertical space of the Sky Plaza on the building’s third floor. Composed of nine sculptural elements, each ranging from 10 to 30 feet in length, the work cascades through four stories of open space. Suspended from the sky light above, the mobile’s curves and subtle twirling motion brings lightness and movement to the architectural environment, creating a dynamic yet calming presence in the heart of the hospital.
Goals:
This installation was thoughtfully designed to enrich the experience of patients, families, and staff alike. In a bustling lounge filled with a café, table games, and colorful seating, the mobile offers viewers a moment of awe and wonder. Its gentle floating forms add to the space without overwhelming it, enhancing the overall atmosphere rather than competing with it. It is also visible from the windows of the plaza-facing patient rooms, allowing patients unable to leave their beds the ability to take part in the visual benefits of the artwork.
Process:
Bringing the Sky Plaza Mobile to life was a true collaborative effort. Artist duo, Studio Lilica from Oregon, was selected from a curated grouping provided by IDEA Art Consulting. They joined IDEA Art, the interior designers at PAGE, and the hospital’s art committee to shape the vision for the space. Form, color, and movement were discussed along with the elemental balance needed within the space to maintain the sophisticated and subtle presence that was envisioned. The primary material used in fabrication is an Inherently Flame Resistant (IFR) fabric that meets specific fire requirements and acts as an acoustical buffering agent. Once the design was finalized, attention turned to the technical challenge of installation.
Working closely with the general contractor and Studio Lilica, IDEA Art coordinated every detail of the complex process. Reaching the skylight, nearly 90 feet above the floor, required a swing stage that could move forward with each cross cable as the installation progressed. Although the individual elements were lightweight modular components assembled on-site, with the largest measuring 10x30 feet and weighting no more that 25 pounds each, the swing stage itself had to be carefully transported in the freight elevator and assembled on the third floor. Every step required careful coordination and precision, ensuring the vision of the mobile could soar in the space as intended.