REBECCA CUMMINS

Seattle Public Library: Montlake Branch

Glass, skylight, steel: skylight 15x5ft, glass discs 20 in.

5 glass discs in the ceiling (covered by a large skylight) project a row of colorful sunspots that slide through the library as the sun appears to move from East to West.

The orange disc is the “nodus” or time indicator.  As its projection crosses a line on the library floor, it is solar noon. Floor markings indicate where this sunspot lands at noon on the summer solstice, the opening date of the library––and the equinoxes. By night, artificial lights illuminate the colored discs.

In the 17th and 18th century, astronomers installed single apertures in European cathedrals for astronomical observations. Likewise, the Library is now a small observatory that makes the earth’s movements publicly visible and meaningful.

Commission by the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs & the Seattle Public Library.  

Project Partners: Weinstein Architects. Consultant: Woody Sullivan.  Permanent installation.