Major art projects taking shape at DIA hotel-station site (Slideshow) (Video)

Travelers entering and exiting Denver International Airport's public transit station and hotel area will experience an interaction with light and space at an art project scheduled to be installed early 2015.

Denver artist Patrick Marold's "Shadow Array" is a $1.5 million project consisting of about 250 beetle-kill spruce logs from southern Colorado.

It will accompany Ned Kahn's "Air Field" — a $2 million wind-activated sculpture — and Yann Kersalé's "Water in all of its states" — a $1 million lighting design for the canopies and escalator — at the station and hotel.

"All pieces have aspects that reflect the region, which will enhance the 'sense of place' at the airport, while adding a bit of joy and serenity to the traveling experience," said DIA CEO Kim Day.

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• Click the image above to view photos of the "Shadow Array" construction site and what the finished project will look like.

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The airport's 519-room Westin Hotel and Conference Center is scheduled to open in fall 2015. It will be near the station of the Regional Transportation District's East Rail Line linking Denver Union Station with DIA, which is scheduled to open in early 2016.

Denver's Public Art Ordinance directs that 1 percent of construction dollars on projects over $1 million be set aside for artwork to be integrated into the site. DIA has a $5 million public art budget.

"Shadow Array" is designed to shift light in accordance with the seasons, people's point of view and the time of day.

"If you're coming in on the train in the station, it'll be something you're not going to be able to forget," said Walter Ware, one of Marold's assistants.

Caitlin Hendee is digital producer and social engagement manager for the Denver Business Journal and contributes to the "17th & Lincoln" blog. Email: chendee@bizjournals.com. Phone: 303-803-9226.