AEONS represent the timeless, infinite progression of ingenuity and innovation. Our sweeping duo of circular sculptures stand for humanity and technology and conceptualize that ideas are not born in isolation, but through a dialogue of cumulative knowledge over time which provokes invention. San Jose was founded on the rock bed of sandstone, the origin of which lies in glass and silica and culminates in the creation of microchips. AEONS harnesses this materiality in its form and stands as a metaphor of time, progress and achievement in Silicon Valley. It is an uplifting perspective that celebrates the confluence of ideas.
CONCEPT
AEONS represent the timeless, infinite progression of ingenuity and innovation. Our sweeping duo of circular sculptures stand for humanity and technology and conceptualize that ideas are not born in isolation, but through a dialogue of cumulative knowledge over time which provokes invention. San Jose was founded on the rock bed of sandstone, the origin of which lies in glass and silica and culminates in the creation of microchips. AEONS harnesses this materiality in its form and stands as a metaphor of time, progress and achievement in Silicon Valley. It is an uplifting perspective that celebrates the confluence of ideas.
LANDMARK The interplay of the space between the two circular structures intuitively invites an upward viewing motion. The idea is to carve a journey with momentum through the sculpture along a timeline depicting Silicon Valley’s contributions*. This will be explored further through community collaboration and innovative AI construction techniques. *[public access in conjunction with geological report] The sculpture occupies a minimal footprint allowing for the recreational park and garden area to flourish around it as it cantilevers around. A series of differing perspectives change with proximity to the sculpture, revealing a depth of detail. Shadows, reflections, and refractions connect it to nature and give it a sense of kinetic energy as the time changes. At night this is translated into a sophisticated and dynamic illuminated surface.
NET ZERO To reduce installation time and impact to local wildlife, the majority of the structure will be prefabricated. To reduce carbon footprint, we will specify local recycled and reclaimed materials. The structure will have integrated photovoltaic systems which enable battery trickle charging, to support low power LED lights. The structural design purposefully counterbalances its heavyweight foundations, entrenched in the landscape, with the cantilevering rings. By post-tensioning the ring, it improves bending resistance, optimising weight distribution and employing the latest carbon fibre technologies. Seismic risk is addressed as are limiting materials and embodied carbon.
DAY TO NIGHT ACTIVATION By day AEONS provides a localized microclimate, cooling visitors through atomized mist to naturally remove heat from the air. The small volume of water could be taken locally and purified through a reverse osmosis filtration system. By night, light projections onto solid sandstone and the internal illumination of glass will demonstrate a subtle inventive show through cloud mist that will transform the structure and the surrounding area and secure it as an emblematic beacon.
