Ivan Toth Depeña’s Surface is a new permanent, public art installation commissioned by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). Designed in collaboration with the REDLINE Design Group, Surface is located in the Cornelius Park and Ride comfort station. Depeña’s installation creates a rich visual and experiential public space, enlivening the busy commuter thoroughfare and immersing users in an abstract bath of light. As Mayor Chuck Travis remarks, “This is the coolest park and ride in all of CATS.”
 
The three dimensional, colored glass installation was inspired by nearby Lake Norman. Depeña used actual underwater topographic data from the lake to recreate the abstracted experience of looking up through the surface of the water. Depeña builds on this experience by directing the light to cascade and refract color on the surfaces of the structure. These colors echo the topography of the lake, with the blues and greens of the water and the orange of the Carolina clay from the lakebed. This dynamic play of light and color to the site shifts with the movement of the sun, allowing patrons to enjoy a colorful, changing experience.
 
The collaboration with REDLINE allowed the underlying concept to develop seamlessly from studio sketches to final construction. Calling into play his education and architectural experience, Depeña was actively involved in designing the structure that surrounds the glass art component. The resulting contemporary design incorporates a cantilevered awning to function as shelter for riders, but also fuses with the art installation. The positioning of the angled sculptural centerpiece aligns directly with the polar coordinates (North, South, East and West) and the size and angle of the canopy takes advantage of the angles of the sun throughout the day. This harmonious blend of art, architecture & native vernacular not only gives riders shelter from their environment, but also connects them to their environment.
 
About Charlotte Area Transit System - Arts in Transit
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is sharing the responsibility for improving the Charlotte region's quality of life by providing efficient, cost-effective public transportation and contributing to the development of a livable and sustainable community for both riders and non-riders. In the context of creating vibrant and neighborhood oriented transit facilities, CATS commits 1% of design and construction costs for the integration of art into most major projects in the capital program, including stations and surrounding areas, park and ride lots, transportation centers, maintenance facilities, and passenger amenities.
 
Public art installation by:
Artist/Designer: Ivan Toth Depeña
 
Owner:
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS)
 
Additional Credits:
Architect: Redline Design Group
Civil: Kimley Horn