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Seattle, Washington / Public art

Lead Pencil Studio sculptures at U District Station

An immersive, 300-foot-long installation of hammered aluminum and video screens that transforms a light rail platform into a ghostly, architectural memory of the neighborhood's historic roots.

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What are the Lead Pencil Studio sculptures at U District Station?

Known as "Fragment Brooklyn," this 300-foot-long installation is a collection of sculptural pieces that evoke historic architectural ornaments. The work represents architectural fragments such as rooflines, window frames, and fire escapes.

What is the meaning behind the artwork?

The piece is a nod to University District history, specifically referencing the area's earlier name, "Brooklyn," which was given to the neighborhood by developer James Moore in 1890 in homage to New York City.

What materials were used to create the sculptures?

The installation primarily uses hammered aluminum and stainless steel woven wire fabric. It also incorporates video screens that display scenes of domestic life.

Where exactly is the art located in the station?

The installation is located on the platform level, covering the west wall of the station. It is integrated into the station infrastructure, installed amid the metal wall's vents and fans.

Who created the sculptures?

The artwork was created by Seattle-based Lead Pencil Studio, consisting of artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Located on the west wall of the U District Station, "Fragment Brooklyn" is a massive public art installation created by Seattle-based Lead Pencil Studio, consisting of artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo. This 300-foot-long work is designed as a "misplaced urban streetscape," utilizing hammered aluminum and stainless steel woven wire fabric to create sculptural appendages that emerge from the station's infrastructure. The installation evokes the architectural ornament of historic buildings, specifically representing fragments such as rooflines, window frames, and fire escapes. These metallic forms are integrated directly into the station wall, appearing alongside industrial vents and fans. Within the window-like forms, embedded video screens play loops depicting domestic life, adding a human element to the metallic environment. The piece serves as a historical nod to the University District's origins. In 1890, developer James Moore named this specific area "Brooklyn" as a tribute to New York City. By recreating the visual language of urban tenements and residential architecture, the artwork bridges the gap between the modern underground transit hub and the neighborhood's late 19th-century identity.

Visitor tips

  • Walk the full length of the west wall to see the entire 300-foot progression of the artwork.
  • Look closely at the window frames to see the video screens depicting domestic scenes.
  • Allow extra time if you are traveling during rush hour to avoid the heaviest commuter crowds on the platform.

Nearby context

The installation is situated within the U District Station, an underground hub located beneath Brooklyn Avenue NE between NE 43rd and 45th streets. This puts visitors in the heart of the University District urban village, a bustling area defined by its proximity to the University of Washington.

Sources

Evidence and links