LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Newark & Beyond

Bas Relief Mural

PROJECT OVERVIEW

We'll never forget getting the call from Mark Pfeffer at Conrac Solutions—he had a vision for something big. Really big. He asked if we’d be interested in designing a massive seven-story bas relief mural at Liberty International Airport's new Terminal One. Our first question was "What's bas relief?" What followed was a three-year journey of concepting, sculpting, refining, and finally installing one of the most ambitious and permanent pieces we’ve ever worked on. At over seven stories tall, it now holds the title of the largest bas relief mural in the world. From the scale to the materials to the collaboration with engineers and fabricators, every part of the process stretched us in the best ways. The end result? A towering piece of public art that greets travelers from around the globe.

Project Credits

VISIT EWRVISIT EWR

IN THE BEGINNING

We began sketching concepts that captured the full spectrum of transit tied to a rental car facility—not just cars, but also the buses and trams that ferry travelers between terminals. Our goal was to reflect the entire journey, not just the destination. These vehicles became central visual elements, woven together with the language of air travel to create a dynamic portrait of motion and connection.

I cold called Don Clark from Invisible Creature after seeing some of their work. We embarked on a project that ultimately took about 5 years to complete. Through all of it, Don and team were incredibly focused and steadfast on getting us to success. Fantastically talented, fantastic working relationship, fantastic results. I’m looking for the next thing to try to do together.

Mark Pfeffer

KPB Architects + Pfeffer Development

FACING CHALLENGES

One of the biggest challenges was simplifying Lady Liberty’s face without losing her strength and symbolism. We wanted her to feel iconic and instantly recognizable, but still fit seamlessly into the overall composition. We looked at a ton of reference.

WATCH THE FILM

From the start, we knew we wanted to document this project with a film—it was just too big and too meaningful not to. We brought in our friends at Thread (Hey, they also designed this site!) to capture the process from concept to completion. They understood our vision perfectly, and the end result is a beautiful, thoughtful film that tells the story far better than we ever could.

From 7 Stories to 7 Inches

Of course we had to turn the world's largest bas relief mural into something you can actually hold in your hands—how about a wooden puzzle? It’s a mini tribute to the massive sculpture, carved with the same layers of vehicles, planes, and motion that made the original sing.

PURCHASEPURCHASE

THANK YOU

Mark Pfeffer, Conrac Solutions, Andrew Hinkley & High Concrete, Beau Bivins and Thread