How does one convey, at the outset of the 21st century, the origins and evolution of human investigation of the world as well as the contributions to society made by the sciences, medicine and engineering? This was the task set for developing the engraved murals for The Lobby of the National Academies Building at 500 Fifth Street, NW in Washington, DC. The engraved walls of the entry Lobby is "a visual encyclopedia of the origins and evolution of human investigation of the world, as well as the contributions to society, made by the sciences, medicine and engineering. The composition encompasses investigations from the past and present and includes phenomena from the microscopic to the cosmic. The mural also addresses current issues of concern to the National Academies from agricultural practices and food sources, to space exploration, ever-changing technologies, global public health and disease resistant drugs, engineering infrastructure and the complexity of altering ecosystems through human invention, biodiversity and DNA." Excerpt from The National Academies guide to the lobby.
