When the word “Arch” comes to mind, most people think of a curved structure that is supporting the weight of another structure, like a bridge or a roof above it. But in this context, scientists and engineers have come together to create a structure in the form of an ‘Arch of Time’ that doesn’t just stand still but also cools anyone with its shade and powers the park around. But how did this impressive feat of engineering come to be?

How a sun sculpture was reimagined for the perfect blend of renewable energy and recreation

To the unsuspecting individual walking around the park, the bold presence of the arch commands spectacle and admiration. The “Arch of Time” appears as a monumental engineering mix of concrete and solar panels bending across the landscape, but its true capabilities seem unknown to an average individual.

The strategic position envisioned by engineers and scientists within the park is one that can fully adjust at night to utilize every slight change in the dark night sky and readjust during the day to maximize solar exposure and efficiency. The stunning art piece has been tailored to meet Houston’s latitude.

The famous “Arch of Time” in this context is located in Mason Park, in the southeast region of Texas. The main idea is simple: to blend recreation with innovative engineering. The innovation in this scenario is the integration of solar panels into the sculpture, and the recreation refers to the park in which it is located. 

The first iteration of its kind: peeling off the layers to reveal its mode of operation

At first glance of this “Arch of Time, it’s not possible to visualize and accurately count the number of panels scattered across its surface, but the ballpark figure is around 60,000 panels. And its arrangement is made with the objective of turning its entire direction towards the south for maximum positioning. 

The energy output that is being generated from the standing art piece is over 400,000 kWh annually. In simple terms, this means the artwork is generating enough energy to supply over 40+ homes and nearby institutions like Talento  Bilingüe de Houston, just like the groundbreaking ghost panels, boosting renewable energy.

What the future holds for its projected energy generation vision

When it comes down to energy generation, every watt counts. This is why the sculpture is being projected to generate over 12 million kWh over its lifetime, thereby improving the chances of a complete elimination of toxic emissions into the environment and contributing significantly to a new planet where carbon waste does not exist at all. 

Does it end at energy generation, or is there an underlying community anchor?

The concept behind this ‘Arch of Time’ art piece that could power a park didn’t come from magic or outside this world, it emerged as a result of a competition organized by the  Land Art Generator Initiative (LAGI), founded by Elizabeth Monoian and Robert Ferry with the main purpose of connecting scientists with artists to be able to devise alternative energy solutions through sustainable design and public art.

Apart from its purpose of providing a safe haven spanning over 25,000 sq ft microclimate, it also aims to offer a resilient power source during emergencies.

What used to be a symbol of a pillar is now being reimagined as the next frontier of power generation. A blend of light and geometry is in the works because of the Arch of Time. To a sculptor, this is just another art piece meant only for viewing purposes, but to a seasoned engineer or enthusiast, the Arch of Time is redefining what we know as artworks, just like this unprecedented Solar Ark.