In the Decker-Yeadon model, each ribbon is approximately thirty-three feet tall and stands atop narrow support columns, keeping the desert surface untouched. In regard to every aspect of its design, Light Sanctuary was conceived with its surroundings in mind: “The Emirates have a great potential to harvest the sun’s energy,” says Decker. “And they have a very diverse range of flora and fauna — with the site located near a wildlife sanctuary — so we wanted to be very careful. We wanted to enhance the features of the desert, rather than putting a monumental sculpture there.”
     The need for new energy production methods is the basis of Decker’s work with Yeadon. Both were trained as architects but have been collaborating for the past seven years on applications for new energy and water conservation technologies developed in labs. “Architects have a tendency to wait until a product is approved by many many institutions before they are comfortable enough to apply it to our built environment,” she explains, arguing that in the face of great challenges, there is an urgent need to quickly implement new products such as the solar cells that Light Sanctuary employs. “All of these materials have a great potential to help us with significant problems we are facing.”
     Winners in the Land Art Generator Initiative will be announced this January. If chosen, Light Sanctuary would be much more than a far-fetched dream. Regardless of whether she wins the contest, Decker maintains hope for our environmental future: “In particular, architects, designers, and artists have a very unique position to inspire change. I think if we all work together, the future is bright and clean.”