Leopard Sky is an environmental concept for a 50,000 SF arrival roadway at a new international airport terminal.  The roadway ceiling is leopard print rendered as architecture.  A series of suspended panels create the dark spots seen in a leopards body pattern or textile print.  The panels are arranged in an undulating fashion throughout the roadway.  Behind these panels painted on the ceiling is a painted super graphic of the remaining portion of the print.  The suspended metal panels are sequined with 24" convex parking lot safety mirrors and matching round surface mounted lights.  Behind the leopard spot panels is painted the remaining print with shadows of the spots (yellow) and the mix of striations that complete the leopard print (Denim).  Leopard Sky creates a dramatic transition environment that is an ever-changing instant replay of everything that is going on in the roadway.  It is a kinetic sculpture without a moving part.  The piece providers drama to an otherwise dull space.  It also functions to provide the lighting for the arrival roadway. 

 

Leopard Sky was fabricated in Houston by Blumenthal Sheet Metal.  The project was the largest in Blumenthal's history, which is no small deal, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.  Unlike many other fabricators in the south, Blumenthal contracts with Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 54 for its crew, paying a living wage with benefits to every employee.  The local union members each contribute a portion of their hourly rate to support the union contractors ability to compete against non-union rivals who pay their workers less and do not provide benefits.  The workers pledged $50,000 from this fund to help ensure that a fair labor contractor was selected.

Over 65,000 lbs of aluminum plate, tubing, and grip strut was used in the fabrication of Leopard Sky.  Some 10,000 labor hours, over 1,000 mirrors, over 2,000 hanging rods, 100 gallons of paint, and 20,000 nuts and bolts create the the clouds suspended in the arrivals area of the Federal Inspection Station.

The ceiling was painted by Gene Siegrist of California.