There’s something missing when you walk into so many American buildings today. Think about it. When was the last time you really felt a sense of arrival? The last time you really felt the energy of the building and the people in it? The last time you instantly understood a structure’s unique personality and the things that make it special? I learned a lot about creating that sense of arrival through working with John David Mooney – the world renowned artist who designed Blue Espresso, a light installation for the lobby of Vetro – to do just that. People might incorporate paintings or architectural detail in striving to achieve a sense of arrival, but few succeed. According to John David, it’s because just using art isn’t enough; a piece has to be integral to the design and relevant to the people and environment. He believes that blending art, architecture and urban planning can transform and public domain. And looking at his installation in Vetro’s lobby, I believe it too.
