Starting in 2019, the project spanned six years from initial concept through installation. Early phases focused on research, stakeholder engagement, and schematic design (2019–2020). Detailed design, engineering coordination, and fabrication development took place 2021–2023. Precast panel production, mockups, and quality control occurred in 2024, followed by site delivery and phased installation across retaining walls and parking facades in 2025, coordinated to minimize disruption to airport operations.
The artwork is a simple, site-responsive intervention of scoring lines into precast concrete panels across 57,000 square feet of retaining walls and parking garage facades. Non-repeating grids, pulses, and flowing lines reference regional topography, geology, rivers, technology, and medicine central to Pittsburgh’s identity. A range of mark-making—from dense cross-hatching to gentle weaving curves—creates calibrated areas of light and shadow that animate blank concrete and visually reduce the mass of extensive roadway walls. The patterning intentionally varies density to produce depth, rhythm, and movement along vehicular and pedestrian approaches, transforming utilitarian infrastructure into a legible, human-scaled landscape.
The artwork emerged from early collaboration between the artist and design teams including HDR Inc., Luis Vidal Architects, and Michael Baker International. Project coordination was led by public art manager Renee Piechocki and airport representative Kenneth Marshall. Custom fabrication involved Sidley Precast and Reinforced Earth Company, with installation by Rycon Construction, Turner Construction, and AECOM. Together they resolved engineering, fabrication, and sequencing challenges to deliver the integrated public art outcome. The result enhances wayfinding, identity, and traveler experience across site.