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The
PPG (Pittsburgh Plate Glass) feature consists of an ensemble of four
triangular, vertical water masses that surround and embrace a
granite obelisk. Water masses and lights emit from openings directly
in the plazas surface, a 60-foot, square zone of dark granite.
Because the fountains zone is paved with dark, flamed-finish
granite, the granite surface becomes a mirror of reflectivity when
wet. In the evening, white lights illuminate the water. The field of
water varies in height from six inches to fifteen feet, resulting in
a variety of kinetic sequences. The water forms are choreographed to
move en masse, in a tranquil character that, in form, responds to
the central granite obelisk. The kinetics of the fountain create a
calm and contemplative experience, while at other times they are
choreographed to move vigorously, in an animated and even elating
program to punctuate special events, holidays and key moments during
the day.
There
is no barrier between the plaza and the water feature. Not only does
the feature grow out of the plaza's surface, but when the feature is
turned off, the plaza may be recovered for other activities, from
concerts to ice skating in the winter. When active, visitors to the
site can engage with the interactive field of vertical water jets.
Without engaging the water, visitors simply enjoy a chandelier of
animated water that reflects in the surrounding glass architecture
of the PPG complex.
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