This dynamic mosaic mural is the focal point of the multi-story, main lobby in the newest tower at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. The hospital is one of the largest pediatric healthcare providers in the nation and is known for offering a caring environment that supports the physical as well as psychological needs of its client groups: patients, parents and caregivers.
Nebula Chroma won the 2009 international Spectrum Award for Design and Detail and was selected for RavennaMosaico, First International Festival of Contemporary Mosaic in Ravenna, Italy.
Thanks to several successful, earlier mosaic projects at Children’s, Sonia was given a prime location in the main lobby on a curved wall in the multi-story atrium. It is seen from across the open atrium from the admitting area and the main elevator bank as well as closer when going up or down the stairs to the cafeteria. The location has the advantage of natural light during the day wich fills the large open area. The ceiling features fiberoptic ‘stars’ which play off the reflective bits of mosaic at night.
Sonia’s goal was to create a dramatic and engaging expression of contemporary mosaic art that would appeal to viewers of all ages, remain pleasing for both caregivers and those families who may spend extended periods of time at Children’s and, most importantly, offer a moment of pleasure to cheer the spirit of people who may be worried and under stress.
The impact of Nebula Chroma intensifies from the unexpected juxtapositions of one piece next to another, interacting in multiple ways: color, scale, texture, reflectivity and so on. Creatively, the decisions about each tessera’s size and shape and color and how it interacts with the pieces around it were crucial. A huge variety of materials were used that were sourced from around the world: glass tiles from over ten manufacturers, multiple types of ceramic, agate slices, marble gems, beach glass, art glass, vintage mosaic glass and more. In all, more than 200 different kinds of tile from over 20 manufacturers were used in the project.
Because the wall is seen from several different points, it was especially important that the focal elements have both complexity and visual impact. These ‘nebulae’ float on a background that has a lot of interest through the laying style and materials as well as the hand-colored ‘fresco grout’, a popular feature of Sonia’s earlier walls at Children’s. The design was driven by the way the mosaic is viewed – from the elevator area across the atrium, from below and when going up and down the stairs. The designs are weighted to the right for maximum impact. Coming up the stairs, interest is piqued as more and more of the mosaic comes into view. From wherever they are viewed, the variety of materials and differing levels of reflectivity is be intriguing, even over multiple viewings.
The mosaic is grouted using a hand-colored “fresco” grout technique developed by Sonia for Children’s Medical. The shifting colors add depth and visual stimulation.
Detail