Public Art Installation: Tower of Ten Billion Stars

In a district designed to drive innovation, what better way to welcome scientists—or anyone!—to San Diego’s life science Research and Development District (RaDD), than a monument that embodies the cosmos and interconnectedness of life. Situated at the entrance to the central paseo between contemporary high-rise structures, the “Tower of Ten Billion Stars” sculpture by Chinese-Australian artist Lindy Lee draws visitors into the district with its radiant, celestial presence.

To bring this luminous beacon to the RaDD Artwalk, MIG worked closely with private developer IQHQ, the project architect, landscape architect, and City of San Diego—to guide curatorial selection, manage fabrication, and oversee installation. This unique work of art aligns with the overall campus design and enhances a composition of 19 art pieces displayed through five acres of green space nestled among retail, dining, and offices/labs.

Lindy Lee’s artwork was ultimately selected as part of a carefully designed, competitive artist selection process highlighting site-responsive concepts. The intriguing “Tower of Ten Billion Stars” seemingly floats at the paseo’s juncture between glass curtain-walled buildings, with its reflective surface further creating a boundless, mystical depth. The mirror-polished stainless steel captures surrounding imagery of galactic concrete paving, buildings and palm trees, and passersby. The interplay of light through thousands of perforations evokes a sense of the cosmos and the shimmering ocean—a connection to San Diego’s cultural and geographical significance as a borderland by the sea.

The result is a bold arrival statement for the innovation hub that inspires wonder, responds to the waterfront setting, and seamlessly integrates into the surrounding landscape.