Human Fractals.
Building a culture of diversity through inclusive, immersive art.
Client: Air Products Inc.
Industry: Industrial Products
Services: Placemaking, Product & Service Design, Experiential and Visual Design, Sourcing and Manufacturing
Design Brief.
The Air Products team responsible for overseeing its new headquarters offered FutureTogether the opportunity to develop a new work of art. Having seen our earlier work for Comcast, they were interested in a high impact piece that would in some way capture the diversity, global energy, and responsibility that they felt as a company.
Outcome.
FutureTogether created a one-of-a-kind, immersive sculpture for Air Products’ new headquarters in Allentown, PA. The design is a portrait of diversity and a space for contemplation, self-reflection, and joy. The installation is a permanent invitation to see, accept, and respect our collective differences.
Social Impact.
Placing a work of art about diversity in the heart of an organization placed a visual reminder of the culture the company seeks to uphold. We wanted this piece to be meditative, peaceful, and immersive. A place for reflection and self-discovery—one with an implicit call towards action and continued improvement.
Environmental Impact.
The installation was made with local fabricators using responsible materials and processes, all with an emphasis on durability over the lifespan of the artwork. The wood used is FSC-certified while the images were printed on glass to ensure stability and improve cleanability.
“FutureTogether challenged us to refine our thinking about the commission – they brought to life our goals for celebrating the diversity of our global workforce while remaining true to their sustainable development principles.”
Patrick J. Garay - Vice President, Strategic Projects
Angles & Perspectives.
The Air Products team selected a direction that was similar to the large-scale stained glass you’d find in a cathedral but with sharp angles and layers. While these strong angles were complementary to the building, our team saw this as an opportunity to dramatically alter imagery. By changing the scale and formats from the traditional squares and rectangles, visitors were forced to imagine what was being cropped—leaving room for personal projection and evaluation.
Diversity In Art.
We were asked to think of the piece as a landscape integrated into the building. Our discussions touched on impressionist art and how color could still speak without being loud. We landed and referenced the work of Cezanne . Looking through his paintings and the colors he employed, we identified a cool palette that would contrast the skin tones in the piece.
Technical Challenges.
Numerous challenges had to be overcome throughout production. We worked closely with our vendors to establish a secure, seamless process for securing the glass to the angular boxes in the installation. The mounting hardware was also changed to reduce complexity and make the milling process easier. The biggest technical challenge was printing and cutting the glass—the sharp angles required specialized water jet cutting and very delicate handling. The final production required the expertise and craftsmanship of several suppliers to achieve a clean, refined look.
Everyday Impact.
The finished product was emotional for our team, both as a process and as an experience. It reflects our desire for an equitable future—and it’s our hope that many people will feel the same once they experience this showcase of shared humanity in the context of their community.
Links & Press.