The Aviators, Donald Lipski, 2018

SERVICES PROVIDED: Design coordination, Materials research, Budget management, Engineering coordination and oversight, Fabricator bid process, Fabrication oversight, Lighting design development, Shipping, Installation services, Scheduling, Project close-out.

For the new John S. McCain III Terminal 3 at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, artist Donald Lipski created a giant pair of aviator sunglasses, aptly named The Aviators that celebrate Arizona’s rich history of civil and military aviation. The Aviators consists of three parts: an enormous pair of mirrored aviator sunglasses measuring 25’ x 9’ and weighing in at 2,000 lbs, which hover in front of a 90’ wide oil-on-canvas painting of a sky with clouds, which is framed in a traditional wooden frame, which houses lighting. The massive mirrored lenses reflect the arrivals atrium creating a unique meeting place for travelers.

Select images courtesy of Donald Lipski and our fabrication partners. Digital modeling and presentation graphics by Mowry Studio.