Source: Deutsche Nachrichten
HexaLumina, a permanent public artwork by Anaisa Franco in Dallas, Texas, brings together art, technology and sustainability. The sculptural canopy at the Singing Hills Recreation Center combines organic photovoltaic cells with transparent pink solid polycarbonate sheets from Exolon Group, creating a striking interplay of light, color and energy.
HexaLumina is part of the City of Dallas public art collection. Inspired by the idea of a tree canopy, the sculptural structure rises on elegantly branching columns. Hexagonal stainless-steel elements incorporating organic solar cells and specially colored, 6 mm Exolon® UV solid polycarbonate sheets form its distinctive structure. Their transparency and color create HexaLumina’s characteristic interplay of light and shadow. UV protection on both sides enhances the sheets’ resistance to long-term environmental exposure, helping them retain their color and gloss over time – an important benefit for a permanent outdoor installation.
“The Exolon polycarbonate sheets play an important role in both the technical implementation and the artistic vision of HexaLumina. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and creative exploration,” says Anaisa Franco.
The solar cells integrated into the installation harvest energy from sunlight during the day, which is then used to illuminate HexaLumina after dark
HexaLumina creates a place for people to gather, play and pause, while making the interplay of innovative materials, design and renewable energy visible and tangible.
The project demonstrates the potential of solid polycarbonate sheets for creative and sustainable applications beyond their traditional uses.
About Anaisa Franco
https://www.anaisafranco.com/hexalumina
Anaisa Franco is an artist working across parametric design, digital fabrication, and interactive technology. Her practice explores the relationship between the body, public space, and technology through installations inspired by organic forms and living systems.
With two decades of practice, she has created over 40 art projects presented internationally across the USA, China, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, Brazil, Europe, and beyond.