Milken Institute

When the Milken Institute sought to bring an innovative, interactive art installation to the heart of its historic Washington, DC headquarters, PixelFLEX was invited by AV integrator iWeiss to deliver a one-of-a-kind LED structure—aptly named the Word Cloud Project. Suspended 45 feet above the lobby floor, this custom-designed digital sculpture invites visitors to interact with content developed by Rockwell Group. Users select words that resonate with them, weaving those words into a dynamic visual narrative displayed across the installation.

Designed with an intricate array of triangular LED cabinets—each featuring mirrored finishes and custom 1.9mm pixel pitch tiles—the structure was engineered not only for visual impact but also to overcome significant architectural and logistical challenges. As a historical building, the Milken Institute imposed strict load and suspension requirements, demanding a delicate balance between material strength and weight. Every element, from connection methods to cable routing, was meticulously planned to align with these constraints.

Each “fin” of the structure consists of three surfaces: two active LED display panels and one mirror-backed face. This configuration creates an immersive dual-perspective experience—content on the inner sides is optimized for ground-floor viewers, while the outer faces cater to those on the balcony above. The rotational alignment of each fin was uniquely calibrated using precision tools, allowing content designers to map visual elements based on real-world sightlines, ensuring seamless storytelling regardless of vantage points.

Behind the scenes, engineering complexity met creative ambition. All cabling was elegantly routed through internal conduits, delivering a clean, minimal aesthetic. The combination of reflection, elevation, and precision programming produced a sculptural display that responds to the physical and emotional presence of its audience—making the Word Cloud Project one of PixelFLEX’s most unique and technically ambitious builds to date.