Jet-setters in Austin seeking a moment of tranquility now have a new retreat right in the terminals of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The addition to The Calming Towers offers weary travelers sanctuary with videos of endangered wildlife, featuring the work of local artist Barbara Attwell. These displays are more than just eye candy; the serene, soundless videos are designed to educate and relax passengers with visuals of rare creatures like the Austin Blind Salamander and the cave snail.
Each monolithic screen functions as a silent educator focused on endangered species that exist beneath the swarming airport. While waiting to board their flights, passengers can marvel at creatures that have adapted to life in the darkness of Central Texas's hidden caves. These eyeless and often transparent animals, like pseudo-scorpions, are showcased in a minimalistic fashion to maximize the calming effect on viewers.
Behind this endeavor is a collaboration between Nico Hauwert, Geoscientist and Program Manager of the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan, and Attwell, who has adeptly leveraged her fine arts background to highlight the convergence of art and nature. As The Austin Article notes, Attwell's dedication to wildlife preservation is evident as she utilizes her art to spark concern and awe for Austin's subterranean ecosystem.
Hauwert and Attwell have placed the spotlight on a critical issue: the survival of Austin's unique underground wildlife amid ongoing urban development. The Calming Towers may serve as a silent refuge for harried travelers, but their message is loud and clear. As put by Attwell, the project aims to bring not only peace but also knowledge to the public, fostering an appreciation for the wildlife endangered by our city's expansion.
So, next time you're dragging your feet through the terminals at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, take a detour to Gate 8 and let The Calming Towers transport you to a world of calmness and consciousness about our environmental responsibilities. It might be just the pause you need to reset and reconnect before your flight.
