Giles Miller Studio has unveiled Fractalism, a large-scale aluminium installation designed to introduce movement, tactility and a sensory shift to the newly built 580 Dubuque in South San Francisco. Installed on the ground-floor façade of the 30,000 m² life-sciences building within IQHQ's Spur innovation district, the piece forms a striking visual anchor for the emerging biotech hub.
© Giles Miller Studio
Stretching 17 metres in length and 4.2 metres in height, the sculpture is composed of 4,634 individually orientated aluminium petals. Wrapping around a busy commuter corner next to a major railway station, the artwork was conceived to engage passers-by through shifting light, texture and perspective.
Miller explains: "The piece is positioned next to a busy railway station, so the idea is that it responds to the movement of the commuters, offering a changing visual experience as the light shifts along its textured aluminium surface. The result is a type of undulating welcoming-in of visitors into this exciting new district."
The conceptual brief emphasised a human-centred spatial experience, achieved through calibrated geometry and material nuance. As pedestrians move by, the layered petals generate subtle tonal and reflective variations, creating a sense of motion against the clean architectural lines of the Perkins&Will-designed building.
Ashley Simpson, Vice President of Design at IQHQ, highlighted the role of public art within the organisation's mission: "At IQHQ, we create districts that inspire discovery and connection, and public art is an essential part of how our districts connect people and place. Fractalism by Giles Miller Studio embodies this spirit beautifully, transforming a transitional space into a moment of reflection. We look forward to seeing the sculpture come to life as part of the daily rhythm of the site."
© Giles Miller Studio
The installation was engineered in collaboration with leading fabricators UAP. Nearly 5,000 petals were laser-cut, strengthened with a double-cross detail, and mounted onto an aluminium frame with precision ribs to secure alignment. Designed to withstand strong San Francisco winds and heavy foot traffic, the anodised aluminium surface reflects the changing daylight with a soft, abstracted sheen. Fully recyclable, the material reinforces the development's sustainability focus.
Blending advanced digital modelling with hand-led assembly, the piece exemplifies Giles Miller Studio's craft-led, material-driven approach. As a permanent feature of the district, Fractalism enriches the pedestrian experience while contributing to the architectural identity of the site.
More information:
Giles Miller Studio
[email protected]
www.gilesmiller.com
