The Dudley Time Cone

The Dudley Time Cone is sundial that tells the time with colour. The geometry of the cone connects the principles of solar timekeeping and the refractive qualities of glass to produce a shimmering pattern of light and shadow based on the current time of day.

The surrounding public space provides a relaxed place to relax and reflect, extending the solar geometry into paving and seating.Inside the cone are two lenses that visitors can rotate, to calibrate the precise time or playfully shift the refractive effect.

The cone takes inspiration from the historic process and forms of the Black Country glass industry and has been proposed as part of The Metro Art Track Programme.

As the sun shines, the rotation of these elements creates a pattern of light and shadow that subtly fluctuates with the passing of time. In the early evening and at night, LED lighting transforms these same forms into a vivid public light feature.

Launch the Mobile Augmented Reality Demo

The Time Cone was developed for the The Metro Art Track Programme and The Dudley Futures Public Exhibition in July 2022.