THE ARTFUL ARCHES


at the Mall of America®

This inspiring installation blends creativity, community and purpose.
MOA® is a place where art and ideas come to life.

Location: Mall of America® North Atrium, Level 1
Dates: April 24 - July 26, 2026
Partners: Artistry, Mall of America®, Fraser

About the Project

The Artful Arches is a groundbreaking, multi-sensory art installation designed to foster meaningful connection, spark conversation, and invite our community to participate as their authentic selves. Grounded in accessibility, inclusion, and sustainable design, this project transforms the Mall of America Atrium into a welcoming space for all.

In partnership with Fraser, the installation prioritizes neurodiverse perspectives, offering a calming yet engaging environment that serves as a community meeting point and visitor destination.

Sustainability & Sensory Experience

The Artful Arches emphasizes eco-friendly materials and sensory engagement, offering visitors opportunities for:

  • Touch: Tactile surfaces and structural elements.

  • Sound: Acoustic considerations and interactive audio elements.

  • Sight & Scent: Visual storytelling and curated, calming environments.

Meet the Artists

Katie Donahue

Katie Donahue is the co-founder of K-Works Studio, a multidisciplinary art, architecture and design practice based in Denver and London. Named AIA Colorado’s Young Architect of the Year, she serves on the Advisory Board for the Community College of Denver and is active with the Urban Land Institute and ACE Mentor Program. Her work spans commercial, residential and cultural projects, all rooted in thoughtful, community-centered design. 

Her practice explores community engagement, material waste and the intersection of architecture and interactive art. She also teaches at Parsons and the University of Colorado. Katie holds architecture degrees from Cornell and CU Denver, along with a BBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  

She co-directs K-Works Studio with her partner Katharina, collaborating across disciplines to create spaces and installations that reflect a commitment to smart, joyful and inclusive design.

Katharina Hoerath

Katharina Hoerath, based in the UK, is the co-founder of K-Works Studio, an architecture and design practice known for its refined, sensorial approach to space-making. Prior to founding the studio, she was a Studio Director at several high-end design firms in New York City. 

She is a lecturer at Parsons School of Design and the University of Gloucestershire and serves as a trustee of the Wilson Art Gallery and Museum and the Cheltenham Civic Society. Originally from Austria, Katharina holds degrees in art history and architecture from Syracuse University.  

Her work spans hospitality, commercial, residential and retail projects, focusing on immersive environments shaped by material richness and context. Her research explores longevity in architecture and sustainable materiality and her work has received numerous awards, including recognition from Contract Magazine, Hospitality Design Awards and the 2024 Women in Construction and Property Award. 

Artist Statement
THE ARTFUL ARCHES are a colorful invitation to all. The collection of modular archways and benches deploy supersized patterns, unabashed color and playful textures to encourage passersby to meander, explore, gander, to stay, contemplate and play. The artwork considers that variety is the spice of life; the world is beautiful because of the uniqueness of the people who occupy it thanks to their different background experiences, diverse range of abilities and divergent ways of thinking. The arches offer various ways to experience the space, the art and one another. This art installation considers and celebrates the dichotomy of disparate conditions – a clammer of melodic chimes or the soft mutedness that comes from absorptive foam. The sense of speedily whirling and twirling something in your hands or the slow methodical brushing and plucking at something. Color and texture playfully evoke joy, encourage whimsey, and invigorate the soul. 

Special Thanks
We would like to thank our partners and sponsors for making this installation possible.