Houston's Arch of Time: World's Largest Sundial to Generate 400,000 kWh of Electricity Annually

The Arco del Tiempo, also known as the Arch of Time, is an innovative public artwork designed to produce clean energy for Texans who are still recovering from the destruction left by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Bridging Art and Technology

The City of Houston is unveiling its newest art installation in a public space, known as "Arco del Tiempo" or the "Arch of Time." According to a report from Interesting Engineering, this regenerative sculptural marvel will be placed in the East End, in Houston's Second Ward Complete Community.

Officials from the city have approved the proposal from German architect Riccardo Mariano, aiming to install a grand and futurist artwork in collaboration with the Land Art Generator. LAGI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting renewable energy-focused public art.

"This is a practical example to illustrate the movement of the earth around the sun in a playful way. Arco del Tiempo (Arch of Time) merges renewable energy generation with public space and into the everyday life of the Second Ward," Marino stated. The artwork serves as a bridge connecting art and technology, promoting educational objectives and enhancing public spaces.

He anticipates that once the arch is finished, it will be adorned with solar panels capable of producing 400,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This output is roughly equivalent to the energy consumption of approximately 40 average Texan households.

Since 2008, the LAGI has been consistently organizing global competitions in various cities with the goal of showcasing how climate solutions can harmoniously blend beauty and functionality. One of the outstanding designs that emerged from the LAGI 2019 competition was the Arch of Time.

Flood Control Measures

The construction of the Arco del Tiempo coincides with Houston officials' efforts to establish a connection between the previously renovated Guadalupe Plaza Park and Buffalo Bayou Park. Despite both parks being finished prior to Hurricane Harvey, Artnet reported that officials are now incorporating park designs as part of their flood control measures.

Choosing Houston

While this project was intended for Abu Dhabi, it is Houston that ultimately made the decision to bring this project to life by implementing it in their city after a rigorous selection process. Mariano's artwork was chosen by the city to be fully realized and installed in Guadalupe Plaza Park.

As he worked with the local community, the architect decided to give his art a new title and made adjustments to its specifics to align with the park's context and the activities taking place in the plaza. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement that this artwork is more than a sculpture.

"The City of Houston has always stood at the vanguard of energy innovation and the Arco del Tiempo artwork stands in that tradition, highlighting Houston's role as an art city and as a global leader in the energy transition. We are inspired by the vision and creative thinking. Marrying clean energy, the built environment, and truly World Class art in Houston," he added.