Tree of Life
Laminated glass; 20’W x 20’D
Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA
Tree of Life is a drop-glass ceiling installation in the Landing waiting area of Harborview Medical Center, Seattle. Comprised of colorful geometric panels formed from equilateral right triangles, the backlit ceiling evokes the effect of a large stained-glass canopy. Its vibrant composition is intended to expand the sense of space, infuse the area with warmth, and uplift visitors as they move through the space.
The design draws inspiration from the sequence of amino acids in the hemoglobin molecules of red blood cells. Each of the 19 amino acids is represented by a unique color and shape, arranged into four chains that wind across the ceiling. Red squares mark transitions between strands and signify iron molecules, linking scientific precision with visual poetry.
Triangles, chosen for their active and dynamic form, echo quilt patterns—particularly “Flying Geese” variations—invoking associations of comfort, care, and nurture, qualities essential to the hospital environment. Beyond their aesthetic role, the patterns suggest collaboration and unity, reflecting the collective dedication of Harborview doctors, nurses, and staff in fostering health and wholeness.
Fabricator: Liquidoranges