Ned Kahn

#Turbulent Line

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

San Francisco based artist Ned Kahn is renowned for his large-scale sculptures
that incorporate natural elements. In 2012, Kahn was appointed through a competitive selection process to create an eight storey, 5000 square meter kinetic façade,
Turbulent Line.

Viewed externally, the car park’s eastern side appears to ripple fluidly as the wind
activates approximately 117 000 suspended aluminium panels. In response to the ever-changing wind patterns, the façade creates a direct interface between the built and natural environments. It is further embellished with one rippling line inspired by a reflection in the water’s surface created by the wake of a Brisbane City cat.

Inside the car park, patterns of light and shadow project onto the walls and floor as sunlight passes through the façade. The design also provides practical environmental benefits such as shade and natural ventilation. This large-scale work creates a mesmerising impression for passengers emerging from the terminal, arriving by car,
or on the elevated Airtrain platform.

The Brisbane Airport Corporation engaged with UAP to curate, commission and deliver an integrated artwork opportunity for the Brisbane Domestic Terminal Carpark.

Image credits: Rachel See, Scott Burrows

#Project summary

Creative

Ned Kahn

Artwork Title

Turbulent Line

Project

Brisbane Domestic Airport Carpark Façade

Client

Brisbane Airport Corporation and Hassell

Year

2012

Location

Brisbane, Australia

Build

UAP

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