Celestial Flyways
In 2007, Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park at 12th and Walnut underwent a major renovation. The artist, Laura DeAngelis, and architects, DRAW Architects & Urban Design, combined to change a challenging urban space into a vibrant neighborhood park with cutting-edge public art that helps shows the relation of the man-made with nature and the heavens.
The centerpiece of the park is the Star Disk. The Star Disk is an anaphoric clock. This type of clock was among the first astronomical machines and a precursor to the astrolabe, which was the most popular astronomical tool prior to the telescope. By following the directions printed on a nearby sign, one can determine the stars and constellations that can be seen from the park. On the outside of the Star Disk are tiles hand-crafted by the artist with botanical and ornithological themes.
The centerpiece of the park is the Star Disk. The Star Disk is an anaphoric clock. This type of clock was among the first astronomical machines and a precursor to the astrolabe, which was the most popular astronomical tool prior to the telescope. By following the directions printed on a nearby sign, one can determine the stars and constellations that can be seen from the park. On the outside of the Star Disk are tiles hand-crafted by the artist with botanical and ornithological themes.
