This Could Be the World's Most Eco-Friendly Work of Public Art

Prolific Los Angeles–based conceptual designer and artist Michael Jantzen is known for innovative, eye-catching creations that are both highly functional and eco-conscious. His work—everything from furnishings and sculptures to photo art and architectural designs—explores the boundaries between art, architecture, technology, and enviro-friendly design. Jantzen’s latest public-art concept, a series of minimalist steel solar-electric sculptures of various sizes, adheres to that same idea of blending form and function. Each piece comprises a single photovoltaic panel atop two long and skinny zigzagging “legs,” bringing to mind a robotlike creature that looks as if it could stand up and walk away at any moment.

The sculptures’ slight forms will enable them to be installed in a variety of urban settings, including apartment complexes, public parks, green spaces, and solar fields. The electricity collected through the panels can be diverted directly to the surrounding community’s supply, as well as to seats placed around the installations that will double as charging stations, allowing visitors to replenish device energy levels as they enjoy the art.

The sculptures’ form permits them to be installed in a variety of settings.

While the value of public art lies in its ability to bring beauty and culture to a wide audience ( as these fascinating outdoor sculptures from around the world prove ), Jantzen’s solar-electric sculptures also highlight its possible usefulness in other capacities. For one, his sculptures have the ability to showcase the potential of public art to increase sustainability awareness.