Westbank's Telus Sky, well under construction in Calgary, is already one of the most anticipated new skyscrapers in North America based on its unique design alone. But when the tower is complete, it will also feature an LED-based art installation by renowned Canadian artist Douglas Coupland.

The installation takes the form of an array of LEDs that will give Telus Sky a distinctive architectural identity at night. Douglas Coupland, who is well known for a myriad of public art installations across Canada, including Vancouver's 'Digital Orca', and Toronto's 'Four Seasons', also created the artwork in the lobby of Calgary's Mark on 10th condominium.

Douglas Coupland watches some of his work being tested, image via Westbank

Coupland was recently in Calgary as Westbank ran a mock test on the new lighting installation. With the building halfway complete, and multiple levels of glazing wrapping the structural envelope, it proved an ideal time to test the lighting and get a feel of the early effects of the art installation.

In this particular work of art, Coupland's public art experience teamed up with the expertise of Montreal-based high-tech lighting firm SACO. SACO is no stranger to innovative lighting displays, having worked on numerous successful projects including Barcelona's Torre Agbar, the NASDAQ signage in New York, and concert lighting for acts like Paul McCartney and Madonna. They were also responsible for the lighting display at Cadillac Fairview's Calgary City Centre. 

View of lighting test, image via Westbank

The lighting sequences are programmable and the vertical strips that frame the horizontal window arrangements are also capable of changing colours. Once complete, the system is expected to be an eye-catching and prominent display of modern art.

We will be following the construction of Telus Sky as well as progress on the art installation. To keep up to date check in at the main page, visit the Database file linked below, or check out our Forum thread for discussion and photo updates.