WRAPPED IN SUNBEAMS, Matthew Mazzotta, 2022

SERVICES PROVIDED: Design coordination, Materials research, Budget management, Engineering coordination and oversight, Fabricator bid process, Fabrication oversight, Scheduling, Project close-out.

WRAPPED IN SUNBEAMS is a public meeting space created for Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center which treats individuals recovering from acute physical traumas directly limiting their mobility. It balances the Center’s historical farming identity with its contemporary contributions to rehabilitation medicine. The iconic physical form stems from wooden barns, when Rancho was a citrus farm, however the roof and walls are made of color-transforming dichroic glass. Healing, movement, and transformation are key goals of Rancho Los Amigos. The softly changing pastel colors makes WRAPPED IN SUNBEAMS an uplifting landmark throughout the day that feels healing to be in its presence.

The design of the public sculpture is a balance of the Center’s historical farming identity and its contemporary contributions to the field of rehabilitation medicine over the last 100 years. Through countless interviews with patients and staff the aim of the new public space is to make a quiet, reflective, and aspirational piece of art that could “let your mind be at ease for a minute”.

Images and text courtesy of Matthew Mazzotta.