It will be the largest sundial in the world.

An upcoming piece of art in Houston is being called “the world’s largest sundial.” solar energy for the local community.

The striking Arch of Time is the brainchild of Berlin-based artist and architect Riccardo Mariano, to be installed in the East End neighborhood of the Texas city in 2024.

The 100-foot structure will function as a timer, a light display and a solar plant that generates 400,000 kWh of energy annually. It was designed to cast sunlight onto the surface of Houston’s Guadalupe Plaza Park, with the light patterns changing depending on the position of the sun.

Solar panels located on the south-facing exterior of the sculpture will generate power equal to the needs of 40 local homes and offset more than 100% of the electricity demand of nearby Houston Bilingual Talent, a city-owned Latin American cultural center for the performing arts. in the East End.

“In addition to a break-even point to be tracked and celebrated with the community, the artwork will live on as a net positive contribution to a healthy climate and the planet will live better by virtue of its existence,” according to the Land Art Generator. a non-profit organization that helped bring the project to fruition thanks to its interest in tackling the climate crisis with original structures that combine functionality and art.

Riccardo Mariano described his work as “a practical example illustrating the movement of the earth around the sun in a playful way”, adding that at night the space inside the arch would be used for public events.

“This unique work of art is more than a sculpture,” said local mayor Sylvester Turner. “This is a renewable energy plant. This is a monument to a new era of energy.”

Turner added, “The City of Houston has always been at the forefront of energy innovation, and The Ark of Time artwork follows that tradition, highlighting Houston’s role as a city of art and a world leader in transitional energy.”