The Quantum Confluence
Here stands an icon for the progressive development of humankind. This self-sustaining, experiential sculpture uses natural light and timeless materials to capture the essence of instantaneous human connection through analog means. The sculpture harnesses minimal energy from the sun, serving as a beacon of hope and representing the day when humanity is able to achieve a net-positive impact on our world — when we are able to balance technological advancement with respect for nature and each other. The Quantum Confluence invites you to experience two perspectives simultaneously through nothing more than reflection, physics, and light.
An icon for the progressive development of humankind, the Quantum Confluence is self-sustaining and experiential, using natural light and timeless materials to capture the essence of instantaneous human connection through analog means. Representing different worlds, eras, cultures, and viewpoints, the sculptures on each side of the river use fiber optics and mirrors to create reflections of the opposite spaces, creating a virtually shared and interconnected space. The notion of unity represents the cultural diversity and innovation of Silicon Valley, while the distinct yet complementary sculptures invite discovery, reflection, and empathy. On the west side of the site, visitors gradually ascend over a reflection pool into a hovering cube where they find a mirrored projection. On the east side of the site, visitors descend into the earth where natural light from the sun fills the square, cave-like structure, and a similar, converse projection. Fiber optics run beneath the river, connecting both sides--a magical glimpse into each space. The sculpture uses no energy other than solar, serving as a beacon of hope and representing the day when humanity is able to achieve a net-positive impact on our world — when we are able to balance technological advancement with respect for nature and each other. The Quantum Confluence invites visitors to experience two perspectives simultaneously through nothing more than reflection, physics, and light. The Urban Confluence sculptures are inverses of each other. On the east side, a long, distinct pathway directs visitors down through a bermed, open entry. While tucked into the earth, the ground rises up around the structure, creating a small hill as the high point. Sunlight reflects off the structure providing a soft glow to draw people toward it. On the west side, the sculpture is visible above the earth, providing a distinct landmark. At night, bioluminescence creates a natural glow highlighting each sculpture while the reflection pool on the west side creates a mirror version of the stars and moon. A nod to the potential of what we can achieve — “quantum” alludes to both the minimal energy used, but also to superposition and entanglement, two features of quantum physics. This is a structure that, if encountered hundreds of years in the future, would function as it does today.
