The University of Washington’s traditional cherry blossoms, a cherished symbol of spring, now share the spotlight with a high-tech wonder on campus. Unveiled in collaboration with BECU, the BECU Tree stands tall outside the Husky Union Building, offering a vibrant and futuristic alternative to nature’s blooms.
Crafted by Intention Space, a Seattle-based custom fabrication company, this 12-foot-tall art installation boasts 550 3D printed blossoms adorned with LED lights, accompanied by 1,200 laser-cut mirrored mylar leaves that shimmer and reflect light. Designed to resemble a Japanese bonsai tree, the BECU Tree is a meticulous blend of art and technology, featuring an intricate wiring system and a microcontroller that allows for customizable lighting effects on each branch.
“There’s a pretty elaborate wiring system, and each one of the branches is addressable on its own, so we can control each branch and give it a separate program,” said Ian Henry, a designer at Intention Space.
“I can isolate a specific light and tell it to be different than all the rest, or animate a specific sequence.”
More than just a decorative piece, the BECU Tree symbolizes the credit union’s dedication to supporting the financial well-being of the UW community. With its fusion of creativity and advanced engineering, the tree offers a captivating homage to tradition while embracing the spirit of innovation that defines the University of Washington.
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