Fragmenta
DichroGlass™ Public Art Sculpture

Fragmenta is a striking public sculpture in Anchorage, Alaska, designed by Studio Osman Akan and brought to life with more than 300 custom DichroGlass™ laminated glass panels manufactured by TCG Glass. Measuring 24” x 24” each, every panel features polished edges and a precision-drilled 1-1/2” center hole to accommodate the sculpture’s custom mounting system.



As daylight shifts and the seasons change, the sculpture transforms with an ever-changing display of color and light. The unique optical coatings of DichroGlass™ create vibrant reflections and transmitted colors that appear to move across the surface, making Fragmenta a dynamic landmark that offers a different experience from every angle.

Project Overview

Location:
Anchorage, Alaska

Project Feature:

Dichroic Glass Public Art Sculpture


Project Type:

Public Art Installation

Application:
Outdoor Dichroic Glass Sculpture


Glass Type:
Dichroic Laminated Glass


Unique Design Challenges:
Unique Design Challenges:
Manufacture more than 300 precision-fabricated DichroGlass™ panels with polished edges and accurately drilled center holes to ensure a seamless installation while creating a vibrant, ever-changing display of color and light.

Photography:
Studio Osman Akan

Status:
Completed 2012

The Story

Public art often challenges both artistic vision and manufacturing precision. For Fragmenta, Studio Osman Akan envisioned a monumental glass sculpture that would capture Alaska’s dramatic light while creating an immersive experience for visitors.



The project required more than simply producing colorful glass panels. Over 300 laminated DichroGlass™ panels had to be fabricated to exact tolerances, each with polished edges and a precisely drilled center hole for the specialized mounting hardware. Maintaining consistency across hundreds of panels was critical so the finished sculpture would assemble seamlessly while allowing the dichroic coatings to produce their signature shifting spectrum of color.


Today, Fragmenta demonstrates how architectural glass can become sculpture. During the day it reflects the surrounding landscape while projecting brilliant hues throughout the structure. As the light changes, the installation continually evolves, rewarding visitors with a new visual experience every time they encounter it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dichroic Glass?

Yes. Structural glass stair systems are engineered for demanding commercial environments, making them ideal for universities, schools, athletic facilities, and other public buildings that experience heavy pedestrian traffic.


How many glass panels were used in Fragmenta?
The sculpture incorporates more than 300 custom-fabricated laminated dichroic glass panels, each measuring 24” × 24”.

What is Privacy Frost glass?
Privacy Frost is a translucent glass finish that diffuses light while obscuring visibility through the glass. It provides privacy without sacrificing brightness, making it an excellent choice for stair treads, flooring, and other architectural applications.


Why was laminated glass selected?
Laminated glass provides the strength, safety, and long-term durability required for a permanent outdoor public art installation while protecting the dichroic coating between the glass layers.

Were the glass panels custom fabricated?
Yes. Every panel was manufactured with polished edges and a precision-drilled 1-1/2” center hole to accommodate the sculpture’s custom mounting hardware.

Is dichroic glass suitable for exterior applications?
Yes. When properly engineered and fabricated, laminated dichroic glass can be used in a variety of exterior architectural applications, including public art, facades, canopies, railings, and feature walls.

Does the sculpture change color?
The glass itself does not change color. Instead, the dichroic coating reflects and transmits different wavelengths of light, creating dramatic color shifts as the sun moves and the viewing angle changes.