Y2E2 is many things: a center for interdisciplinary study, a research facility, a sustainable building. But most significantly, it is a symbol of Stanford University’s commitment to interdependent systems – and the recognition that these systems are academic, ecological, technological, and social. | The building is organized by four atria each oriented toward a specific area of inquiry – water, energy, earth sciences and the built environment. Additionally, each atria is color-coded to assist in orientation and wayfinding. | We created a circular diagram illustrating how principal investigators, their projects and departments are connected to multiple disciplines, and outside institutions. This diagram is enlarged to a height of four stories, then superimposed onto satellite images of the sun, ocean, earth and a metropolis. The mural is color-coded, divided into four atria, and wrapped onto acoustic panels.

  • The cross-disciplinary culture at Stanford, is illustrated in a circular diagram illustrating how principal investigators, their projects and departments are connected to multiple disciplines, and outside institutions. The diagram is enlarged to a height of four stories, then superimposed onto satellite images of the sun, ocean, earth and a metropolis. The mural is color-coded, divided into four atria, and wrapped onto acoustic panels.

  • Energy Science.
    NASA: Solar Corona

  • Water Studies.
    Satellite: Eastern Pacific Ocean

  • Earth Sciences.
    Satellite: South America

  • Built Environments.
    Satellite: Houston, Texas