The Atlanta architect devised a novel way to screen the substation at the behest of Georgia Tech, which is slowly moving into that area. She replaced the chain-link fence with a metal screen that presents a complex linear pattern created by varying the angles of the louvers of 75 individually designed panels. The spaces between the louvers — no more than three inches apart, as Georgia Power requires — offer glimpses of the monumental coils behind it.
The project comes to life at night, when a computer-operated LED light system lights ups the coils with lurid neon hues. Driving by, you experience it as a surprise burst of color. It’s a strobelike performance for pedestrians or motorists who choose to stop.
When those giant coils light up in unpredictable sequence, the substation looks like a giant pinball machine. The skyline glints in the background, and if you are lucky, a train will rattle by, to create an urban sound-and-light show. Landesberg, who just won a merit design award from the Georgia AIA for the project (and another award for her design of Mason Murer Fine Art), says there are 30 different light shows in rotation and plans for Tech students or faculty to design and show their own.