The dynamic pulse of Wanderwall re-imagines an exterior parkade wall in the uptown core of Charlotte. Evocative of swirling activity—ecological, social, and economic—the folded metal facade describes elements of flows and networks, with a labyrinthine porosity that allows light through to the garage interior.

This dimensional architectural skin is composed of 5,768 individual parts that wrap the Southwest and Southeast elevations of the Stonewall Station parking garage. Eight stories of vibrant aluminum panels announce the building as a beacon on the Uptown skyline and produce several scales of experience that extend far beyond the building itself. A maze of rich gradients of several colors offset the dominance of surrounding glass facades, bringing a proud, unique emblem to Uptown Charlotte. 

In a flash of blue-green caught from a car traveling on I-277, the piece acts as colorful signal, inspiring a moment to slow down in the city. The Sunday stroller may catch a glimpse from several blocks away, tempting a diversion from the usual path. Along the approach, color gives way to pattern. The surprising non-linearity of the piece rewards curiosity with ongoing discovery.

The mid-range view provokes a visual exploration of the facade's motif. Aluminum parts in saturated hues from royal blue to springy green fold into a maze-like pattern, revealing an image of swirling activity. The composition is meant to appeal to a wide range of demographics, triggering different associations and real-world references. From this vantage, a phenomenon of “visual wandering” transports the viewer. As the eye travels across the piece, you find yourself lost in the design, the push and pull of the pattern, its color, porosity, and depth.

Up close, Wanderwall is a tectonic experience. Looking up from the street below, details come into focus. Here, you can perceive the depth of the surface—up to 16 inches in places—and its intricate connections. The effects of the pattern at this scale intensify on the interior of the garage. The porosity that patterns the exterior produces a tracery of dynamic light inside.