ANTENNAS TO LIGHT

by Madelyn Marconi

Antennas to Light #2

Embellishing the exterior of the newly constructed Residence Inn by Marriott hotel are two ornate stainless-steel sculptures. Visually related, but diferentiated by scale, Antennas to Light #1 and #2, were designed and strategically placed to help visitors locate the hotel’s entrance. Renowned local artist, Mark Fuller, married distinct visual design with way-finding functionality to create aesthetically pleasing polished steel sculptures.

Symbolic of the way tv antennas radiate airwaves, one might suggest the Antennas to Light sculptures radiate light, wind, and movement from the busy world around them. Te larger of the two structures, Antennas to Light #1, is located at the northeast intersection of RCA Boulevard and Design Center Drive, making it visible to both pedestrian and vehicular trafc. Te smaller sculpture, Antennas to Light #2, is located between two columns under the Porte-cochere at the hotel’s entrance.

Fastened to the steel exterior cladding on both structures are aluminum panels, adorned with an acrylic polyurethane amber yellow color and sealed with a clear coat to add a glossy fnish. Lush landscape made up of Blue Glow Agave and European Fan Palms surround the base of Antennas to Light #1. Te Blue Glow Agave produces a glow-like appearance in bright sunlight and the sharp terminal spine tips keep viewers at a healthy distance to admire the artwork. Clusters of Rojo Congo Philodendron shrubs and Green Island Ficus cover the ground surrounding Antennas to Light #2. Te sculptures are lit from dusk until dawn to illuminate the hotel’s entrance for those arriving during the dark hours of the night and early morning.

Like the visitors passing through Palm Beach Gardens, the structures’ distinct checkered perforations allow sunshine, light, and wind to also pass through, making its home at the Residence Inn by Marriott on RCA Center Drive an ideal location for it to be seen.