Designed by Noah Kaplan and Robert Waissi for the American Innovations and Freedom 250 initiatives, Sculptura bridges ancient Mayan geometry, modern Baltic Birch craftsmanship, and studio-grade sound for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
At Leon, we believe speakers can be far more than functional electronics, they can be spatial artwork, architectural presence, and cultural storytellers.
When Michael Johnson of Mozaic Smart Technology Design invited Leon to create a one-of-a-kind sound sculpture for the American Innovations and Freedom 250 initiatives, we saw an opportunity to push the boundaries of what high-performance audio and custom craftsmanship could achieve on an international stage.
The Vision & Inspiration
Designed by Leon Founder Noah Kaplan and Head of Global Design Robert Waissi, the sound sculpture—titled Sculptura—was built to bring sound, light, and form together into a living, breathing architectural instrument.
The inspiration behind the design drew deeply from Mexico’s rich artistic and architectural heritage. The Maya, Aztec, and other ancient civilizations built with a profound respect for symmetry, repetition, and cosmic order; principles that guided the geometry of iconic sites such as Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.
Sculptura translates those influences into a modern, rhythmically balanced form: a calm, ordered sequence of vertical tines that echo the architectural language of ancient ceremonial spaces, creating a bridge between cultural memory and contemporary design.
A look behind the curtain:
Early concept rendering of Sculptura created during the design and materiality phase.
The Details: Sculptura
Sculptura transforms the wall plane into an immersive acoustic and visual centerpiece. Every layer of the piece was engineered with intention:
Baltic Birch Craftsmanship: Precision-cut vertical Baltic Birch tines are arranged in a rhythmic sequence, hand-finished to reveal the natural grain and warmth of the wood.
Custom Printed Motifs: Using advanced printing technologies, hand-painted Mayan detailing was applied directly onto both sides of the tines, ensuring the sculpture remains visually rich from every angle.
Integrated Lighting: Custom RGB-W LED lighting washes the wall above and below the sculpture, creating a shifting atmospheric backdrop that attenuates its contours and reacts as the audio channels activate.
Studio-Grade Acoustics: Concealed within the geometry is a discrete multi-channel audio setup that allows sound to radiate smoothly between the tines.
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The Debut
In April 2026, Sculptura was previewed to a select group of guests at the U.S. Consular Residence of Ambassador Ronald Johnson in Mexico City, setting an elevated, immersive tone for the gathering. Later this year, the piece will move to its permanent showcase environment at the new U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
"The Ente Sound Sculpture brings together sound, light, and form to create an immersive architectural experience. For this installation, we drew deeply from Mexico’s artistic and architectural heritage…It’s been an honor to represent American innovation while celebrating the deep culture and history of Mexico through this work."
— Robert Waissi, Leon Speakers
Robert Waissi, Michael Johnson, and Ronald Johnson, US Ambassador to Mexico, at the unveiling of Sculptura, April 2026.
