Baptist Medical Center
Wolfson Children’s Hospital / Jacksonville, Florida
We were asked to provide our assistance in developing a kinetic “Playwall” sculpture wall that would fit in the new children’s lobby. Designed as a “no touch” interactive feature, the Playwall interior is protected by glass and operates by a person standing in a circle of light on the floor. Standing under this spotlight activates sensors, which provide power to the wall. A mechanical auger that lifts 1 3/4” diameter acrylic balls up to the top center area of the wall initiates the kinetic portion of the project. Once a ball get to the top, kinetic energy and gravity take over. The balls travel over a 400 foot long track while acrobatically jumping through the air with flips and spirals, switching directions, riding in a small cart and even climbing up stairs.
The wall was produced to match surrounding architectural finishes and the side of the wall facing the children's area is covered in bright metallic reflective surfaces which glow by the use of fiberoptic lighting to change colors. From the hall you would never guess what’s taking place on the kid’s side - except for the occasional display box window which changes from white to clear as a ball races through it. Donations were raised by the facility to pay for “The Playwall”. Amounts collected more than tripled the total cost of the project.