San Jose Library Installs Photovoltaic Art Glass

Entitled Solar Illumination I: Evolution of Language, the project is a collaboration between artist Lynn Goodpasture and Peters Glass Studies.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 12/26/2008

When the new Pearl Avenue library branch in San Jose, California recently opened its doors, patrons got their first look at a jewel of a different kind: a public art installation that combines art glass and photovoltaic (PV) cells in an architectural application.

A collaboration between artist Lynn Goodpasture and Peters Glass Studies, "Solar Illumination I: Evolution of Language" incorporates glass-embedded photovoltaic cell technology that harnesses solar power to light a suspended glass LED-illuminated lamp. The installation is part of the Silicon Valley city's Green Vision program for environmental protection and economic development.

"Art and technology intersect in a creative and inspiring way, recognizing our community's diversity, celebrating the history of innovation, and highlighting the great strides we are making with the San Jose Green Vision," says San Jose mayor Chuck Reed.

Goodpasture's piece features four art glass windows featuring letters and characters that form the basis for Latin, Russian, Vietnamese, and numerous Indian alphabets and languages--the first writings of humankind. "We are all one" is repeatedly engraved on the lamp in cuneiform.

Renderings by Lucas Fladzinski, courtesy of Peters Glass Studios.