Artists create sculptures that interact with their surroundings by carefully considering materials, placement, and environmental factors. For light interaction, they use reflective surfaces like polished metals or mirrored glass to bounce sunlight or artificial light in dynamic patterns. Some sculptors incorporate translucent materials that diffuse light, creating glowing effects at different times of day.

Shadow play is achieved through strategic perforations, layered elements, or intricate cutouts that cast evolving shadows as the sun moves. Kinetic sculptures take this further by moving with wind or water, constantly changing their shadow patterns. Site-specific artists study solar paths to position works where shadows become part of the artistic statement.

Environmental integration involves using materials that weather naturally or respond to temperature changes. Some sculptures collect rainwater to create reflective pools, while others use thermal coatings that change color. Advanced techniques include embedded LEDs or projection mapping for night-time interactions.

The most successful environmental sculptures create dialogues between art and space, transforming viewers' experience of both. Artists achieve this through meticulous planning of material properties, structural dynamics, and the physics of light and shadow in their chosen locations.