Kilroy Stars – Monumental LED Light Sculptures
Kilroy Stars is a constellation of monumental light sculptures fabricated by Engineered Artworks, illuminating skylines across the Western United States. Originally conceived during the pandemic as symbols of hope and connection, these beacon-like artworks have since become permanent architectural installations in Austin, Long Beach, Seattle, and San Diego.
Each star is a 20-foot diameter dodecahedron made of aluminum and supported by an internal structural steel core. Outfitted with over 30,000 individually programmable LED lights, the sculptures oscillate in mesmerizing rhythmic sequences—creating a dynamic visual language visible from miles away.
Kilroy Stars exemplifies architectural art fabrication at its most innovative. The project required custom attachment systems for four distinct buildings, from davit-based rooftop integration to custom ballast and trench plate systems. These massive stars were engineered for durability, wind loading, seismic compliance, and aesthetic impact—representing the intersection of public art, kinetic light design, and complex site integration.
Lead Artist: Sean Orlando
Fabrication: Engineered Artworks
LED Design: Zoetic Digital
Lighting Design & Partnership: JoeJoe Martin
Structural Engineering: wmstructural, Rbhu
Transport: Artifact Logistics
Specs:
Aluminum star points with structural steel core support
20’ diameter
30,000 integrated programmable LEDs per star
Architecturally integrated attachments based on building davit systems
Custom ballast base structure/trench plate (Seattle)
Custom tripod support structure to facilitate star construction
Links:
The Understory: Kilroy Stars Dailies
In the Press:
Seattle Refined: Photos: New 30,000+ LED star installation lights up South Lake Union