Description
‘Sun Dial’ and ‘Triumph of the Phoenix’ were both custom commissions for the Saudi Crown Prince’s palace in Riyadh.
Working to bring out the full meaning of the original designs, while communicating closely with designers and architects from Cracknell Dubai, Todd Stuart developed, constructed, shipped, delivered and installed the two perfect sculptural forms within the palace grounds, both of which act as cues for daily reflection.
Sun Dial, which points to the passing of time, has a daily prayer from the Qur’an embedded in its front and rear surfaces in Arabic calligraphy of mirror polished stainless steel. The prayer itself offers praise to God, and asks for guidance from him alone.
‘Triumph of the Phoenix’ elevates and completes the iconic form of the date palm leaf in a way that sees it’s Verdigris tinted surface shimmering for passers-by: an effect caused by a complex play of positive and negative space. At night the flame-like column is lit from within: the illumination enhanced by the reflective bronze patina of the form’s interior.
Created as legacy artworks that will stand the test of time, these high visibility sculptural forms meaningfully embed opportunities for reflection within the landscape.
Embedding Daily Reflections—Uniting People, Place, and Time
In Riyadh’s royal palace grounds, two sculptures—“Sun Dial” and “Triumph of the Phoenix”—create moments for contemplation and spiritual unity. Commissioned for the Saudi Crown Prince, both pieces emerged from a close collaboration between Todd Stuart, the palace’s architects, and Cracknell Dubai. Their purpose extends beyond aesthetics: they serve as prompts for daily reflection, bridging the modern landscape design with timeless cultural reverence. This timeless sun dial bronze sculpture focuses attention on the passing hours, linking each moment to overarching spiritual principles.
Sun Dial—Honoring Time and Prayer Through Design
Constructed in polished bronze, “Sun Dial” stands as a tangible expression of transience. Its circular form and protruding gnomon direct the eye across the sky, measuring the day’s advance. Enriched by Arabic calligraphy from the Qur’an, the piece also weaves a religious element into the overarching design. These mirrored calligraphic texts offer praise to God and request His guidance, reflecting how time itself can serve as a vehicle for devotion. Visitors, whether royal family members or foreign dignitaries, witness how sun dial reflection bronze sculpture can merge functional measurement with spiritual depth.
Linking form and faith, the sculpture underscores how daily life in the palace is both personal and communal. As the sun crosses the horizon, light glints off the polished surfaces, reminding observers that each hour is precious. The arrangement ensures that “Sun Dial” remains a living element of the courtyard, gently calling residents and guests alike to pause, reflect, and re-center amidst bustling routines.
Triumph of the Phoenix—Extending the Vision of Reflection
Not far from “Sun Dial” stands “Triumph of the Phoenix,” likewise integral to the palace’s environment. Shaped like a verdigris-tinted date palm leaf, this second sculpture references the region’s agricultural and cultural heritage, shimmering by day and illuminated from within by night. Its design merges positive and negative space—an interplay of light and shadow that parallels how the palm frond’s shape can evoke both the region’s growth and a flame-like appearance.
Together, these two commissions exemplify how thoughtful site-specific art can heighten the emotional and cultural resonance of a prestigious location. Working under architectural guidance and strict timelines, Todd Stuart ensured that each piece arrived flawlessly, ready to enrich the palace’s daily rhythms. The synergy of artistry, religious practice, and public space transforms mere decorations into living, legacy-quality works that subtly reinforce the palace’s identity.
Ultimately, “Embedding Daily Reflections” transcends basic design goals. By introducing a sun dial bronze sculpture that not only measures time but celebrates faith, the palace environment becomes a nexus of cultural pride and inward contemplation. Each sunrise and sunset finds new meaning in the glimmer of bronze and the glancing lines of calligraphy, inviting all who pass through to embrace the gifts of the day. In bridging modern architecture and ancient tradition, Todd Stuart’s sculptures encourage a deeper appreciation of life’s fleeting hours, urging both solitude and community to flourish in tandem.
