The skyspace encounter is a contemplative space conceptualized by the artist James Turrell. It focuses on the perception of light at sunrise and sunset, creating a colorful spectacle. It is located at the core of the Botanical Garden in Culiacán, Mexico, a public space highlighting the natural preservation of botanical species and features a collection of artwork from international artists.

We were commissioned to fabricate and install the main element of the Skyspace. It consists of eight columns, a concave GFRP (glass-fiber reinforced polymer) screen with a central oculus, a 36-metric-ton metallic inner structure, and an upper GFRP plate to close the assembly.

The columns were designed to be hollow to allow for rainwater drainage, with the upper plate incorporating a gutter to prevent dirt accumulation within the oculus. The upper surface of the Skyspace was divided into two parts, while the screen below is a seamless, monolithic piece of FRP.

This FRP screen was poured on-site in a single continuous 36-hour event, ensuring an immersive experience of the light colors projected on the screen’s surface. The piece measures 22 x 11 m (72' x 36') and was fabricated using a mold comprising 21 individual pieces. These mold pieces were transported to the site and skillfully assembled in place, facilitating the final casting of the plate. Digital fabrication techniques were employed to fabricate the molds and achieve a surface finish that is clean and smooth.

To accomplish the installation of the main structure, Kinetica devised and manufactured a specialized crane featuring a scissor-like system. This custom crane enabled us to reach a high level of and to lift each piece and to locate them into their final location without causing any harm to the nearby palm trees