Arch2O.com

Arch2O.com - Architecture & Design Magazine
Commissioned by the University of Texas, Austin?s Landmarks public art program in response to the student body?s desire for a peaceful retreat in the Student Activity Center, internationally acclaimed ?light and space? artist James James Turrell Skyspace designed The Color Inside, one of his characteristic inhabitable artworks that use an oculus open to the sky as the focal point for communal, meditative contemplation.  Overland?s task was to bring this vision to life.
Photography: Florian Holzherr
When the students at The University of Texas at Austin requested a meditation space for their busy Student Activity Center, the head of the university?s public art program immediately thought of commissioning artist James Turrell to create one of his signature Skyspaces. A pioneer of the California ?light and space? movement of the 1960s, Turrell is recognized worldwide for installations that use light and color to heighten perception of our surroundings and of ourselves. Photography: Paul Bardagjy
Turrell has stated that ?light is not so much something that reveals as it is the revelation,? meaning that light can be an inspiring art form in itself, rather than just a tool to illuminate something else. He often likens his work to the Quaker practices of his youth, in which engaging in silent prayer is described as ?going inside to greet the light.?

In taking on the assignment of building The Color Inside, Overland re...