We all know how excruciating modern urban life can be. We work
like dogs, drive like animals, and shove fast food down our
throats between dentist appointments and birthday parties. And
in a city of cars, there's hardly an escape from the constant
drone of engines flying by on bustling streets. But we stress
"hardly" because we've found one of the best escape pods in the
Valley.  The permanent installation by James Turrell at
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has provided a Zen space
for the Valley for the past seven years. As it's tucked away
behind the museum's patio, it's no surprise that visitors often
cruise right by, missing their opportunity to put on the brakes
and chill. This simple, elliptical room is made of slate-gray
concrete with a block bench lining the curvature of the walls.
Look up to its tall ceiling and you'll see our crystal blue
heavens through its oval skylight. The walls block out the
noise, the skylight makes the room glow, and the rounded
enclosure feels like a warm embrace. Fran