Olympic Sculpture Park

On December 28, 2018 By Alice WebbIn Parks, Public Art1 Comment

Situated on a former industrial site along Seattle’s waterfront, Olympic Sculpture Park consists of a series of dramatic angular surfaces that rise from the shoreline toward the urban center, bridging both a busy street and a railroad. A variety of sculptures accentuate the landscape, which ranges from open lawns to wooded slopes.

The park, which is part of the Seattle Art Museum, was completed in 2007.

Staircase entry from the waterfront area
There are also sloped walkways to the higher elevations of the park.

“Seattle Cloud Cover”
This piece is situated along a bridge over railroad tracks.

Photos by Alice Webb

Project design by Weiss/Manfredi

Chihuly Garden and Glass

On April 20, 2018 By Alice WebbIn Gardens, Plants, Public ArtLeave a comment

Some may argue that Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures have become too mass-produced, with many similar-looking pieces displayed around the world. However, each of his garden installations has a unique quality, due to the ways in which the glass pieces are integrated with the landscape. One of the best examples is the outdoor component of the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum in Seattle, since this garden was designed for both sculpture and plantings, effectively combining and balancing the two.

Photos by Alice Webb

Landscape as Art

On July 27, 2015 By Alice WebbIn Landscape Architecture (in general), Parks, Plazas, Promenades, Public ArtLeave a comment

While attending an outdoor concert at the North Carolina Museum of Art in the late 1990s, I remember feeling curious about a seemingly odd series of large shapes in various materials lined up between the museum building and the amphitheater. I also wondered about the geometric forms protruding from the stage in strange directions, and a gray-painted rectangle superimposed on part of theater seating area. I never closely investigated the objects, being more interested in the musical entertainment at that time. Then I happened to see an aerial image of the site, discovering that the shapes are actually letters spelling “Picture This”— clever, but really only when viewed from above. I later learned that some of the letters include phrases that reference the history, culture, and landscape of North Carolina – at least that is something to be gained when viewing the objects at ground level, where most people see them.

“Picture This”, a sculptural installation at the North Carolina Museum of Art

In my opinion, for art to successfully function as part of the landscape of a public space, it not only needs to be comprehensible from eye level; it also should communicate well with its surroundings. Furthermore, the design should include a sufficient amount of elements at human scale (such as seating and planted areas), especially when a plan includes vast expanses of pavement. In recent years, various blogs I’ve followed have included striking images of public landscapes with interesting flowing forms, geometric lines and shapes, and bright colors. Many of these photos, however, were taken from above. For some projects, aerial images were the only ones included, which makes me wonder whether these spaces truly work: Are they comfortable and inviting places? Do people tend to linger in these settings, or are they devoid of much activity?

One such project that intrigues me is the seafront promenade in Benidorm, Spain, probably because of its rainbow of pavement colors and curvy walls which mimic ocean waves. I haven’t visited this beach, so I couldn’t say whether it succeeds as a public space, but I like how each color lends some identity to every section of this extensive walkway, instead of repeating the same pattern and/or colors along its entire length. I think that certain unifying elements are important throughout any type of site design; but long, linear spaces should include some variety as well, to avoid creating a monotonous experience along these corridors.

Seafront promenade, Benidorm, Spain

For comparison, in another part of Spain, a median promenade along the Avenida de Portugal, in Madrid, includes large flower motifs throughout its length, referencing a valley in the region known for its cherry blossoms. The median is actually the roof of a highway tunnel, and the image below only shows one portion of this walkway. I’m curious to know whether this space is well-used.

Avenida de Portugal, Madrid, Spain

The following aerial images include a few more public spaces which are fascinating and attractive when viewed in two dimensions. Some of these and others that I’ve seen in photos from above make me think of abstract paintings or fiber art works. Do they function well in 3-D at human level? I will reserve judgment until and unless I have the chance to experience them in person. (Even photos taken from the ground don’t often give me a sense of how a space feels.) If any of my readers have been to these or other sites with an emphasis on artistic forms, I would love to hear some comments.

Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin, Ireland

Earthly Pond Service Center, International Horticulture Exposition, Qingdao, China

Superkilen (south section), Copenhagen, Denmark

Superkilen (north section), Copenhagen, Denmark

All images obtained from Google Earth.

Water Features in the Landscape

On February 4, 2015November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Parks, Plazas, Public Art, Water FeaturesLeave a comment

Aside from inducing a sense of calm, moving water tends to have a psychologically cooling effect, and it softens or masks surrounding noise. In the built landscape, it can be incorporated in many ways. Examples below illustrate some of that variety: a few of these features are meant to be interactive while others are not; several of them emphasize the water, which is more subtle or secondary in other cases; and some were designed to mimic nature whereas others are geometric in pattern or form. In all cases, the inclusion of water clearly adds to the appeal of these outdoor spaces.

Playful jets in Place des Festivals, Montreal, Quebec

Waterfall in the Split Basin, CityGarden, St. Louis, Missouri

Rock wall resembling natural strata with water seeping out, Teardrop Park, New York City

Fountain in the Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon

Interactive fountain in Portland, Oregon, that alternates between jets and mist

Sculpture with trickling water in the Rose Test Garden, Portland, Oregon

Water feature in Portland, Oregon

Waterfall and channel, Chinatown Park, Boston

Mosaic fountain, Lincoln Road pedestrian mall, Miami Beach, Florida

Planter with falling water in a courtyard, Miami Beach, Florida

All photos by Alice Webb, except the following:
Photo with bear sculptures/fountain in Portland, Oregon, by Nancy Novell

Site Furniture with Flair, Part 2

On October 8, 2014November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Site FurnitureLeave a comment

As a continuation of my original post on this subject, here are some unique outdoor seats that I’ve come across (both on location and online). It’s always a pleasure to see furnishings in the landscape that are custom-designed and out of the ordinary.

Curvilinear series of stone/metal seats and bollards at the Federal Reserve Plaza in Boston – These also appear to serve as a security measure, keeping vehicles away from the building.

Temporary installation in Boston (2013) – part of a series of art benches along the Fort Point Channel

Wooden seat wall with attractive pattern in downtown Boston

Tile seating in Rio de Los Angeles State Park, California. Photo credit: Laurie Avocado

Double-sided bench designed by architect Zaha Hadid, located in the Dallas Museum of Art’s sculpture garden. Photo credit: Alfred Essa

“Tourist Trap” – temporary seat in Belfast, Maine, 2014

“The Greeter” – temporary seating in Belfast, Maine, 2014

“Stumped” – temporary seating in Belfast, Maine, 2014

All photos not credited otherwise were taken by Alice Webb.
Photos by others were obtained from Wikimedia Commons.

Public Art in Outdoor Spaces, Part II

On December 29, 2013November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Public Art2 Comments

I’ve encountered a variety of interesting art pieces in landscape settings ranging from urban to natural. Some are in parks and nature preserves, others are along city streets and alleys, and a few are in small town centers. Some integrate visually and thematically with their surroundings, and others stand alone. Below are a few favorites.

Cut-outs in a small panel (viewed through a scope) on New York City’s High Line transform this view of buildings into abstract shapes.

More art on the High Line: A modernistic wire structure with houses and seed/fruit trays for birds and insects seems to represent the intersection of city and nature, as does much of the High Line. A similar structure faces the opposite direction on the other side of the walkway.

These transparent facial profiles at Garden in the Woods in Framingham, Massachusetts, appear to symbolize the connection between people and nature.

Juxtaposition of “natural” and built forms – Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University in East Lansing

Painted optical illusion in New Haven, Connecticut, by Felice Varini – this shape is only visible when one stands at a specific point. As one progresses further down the alley, it no longer appears as four circles within a square.

Sculpture composed of various types of stone in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Granite sculpture in Eastport, Maine – a town whose principal industry is commercial fishing

Bas-relief piece in CityGarden – a sculpture park in St. Louis, Missouri

A deep discussion taking place in Montreal, Quebec

Colorful bench in Belfast, Maine

Whimsical piece in the Olson Family Garden at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Photos by Alice Webb

A Riverside Promenade in Quebec

On May 27, 2013November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Parks, Promenades, Public ArtLeave a comment

To follow up on my last post about promenades, one fine example that I visited recently is a 2.5-km. greenway along the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec City. The Promenade Samuel de Champlain was completed in 2008 in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city. It includes separate pedestrian and bicycle paths, contemporary art, and intersecting gardens/walkways with references to the natural and historical significance of the river. Champlain Boulevard, a major roadway leading into lower Quebec City, was improved and incorporated into the design.

I only had the time to see a couple sections of this extensive waterfront esplanade – below are a few images from my visit.

Quai des Brumes (Quay of Mists) is one of several walkway/garden areas crossing the promenade. In summer, linear grates emit mist, referencing the occasional riverine conditions. Geometric stone monoliths are juxtaposed with natural boulders at this site.

The Quai des Brumes garden continues across Champlain Boulevard, perpendicular to the promenade. Other garden areas along the route also cross in a similar manner.

This is another area with an art installation, in this case mimicking the trees. Bicycle and pedestrian ways are separate throughout most of the promenade’s length.

Observation tower at the Cageux Pier, marking the west end of the promenade

Seating area on the pier

An array of bike stands is situated next to a multipurpose building at the Cageux Pier.

I like how the vertical lines of this railing transect the shadows of seating/steps that lead down to the river’s edge.

At the western end of the promenade, the bicycle path separates (to the left) from the pedestrian walkway.

Nice combination of wood decking, pavers, and concrete along the pedestrian section of the promenade. (The bicycle path diverges to the left at this point.)

Bicycle section of the promenade – the dandelions on each side of this trail actually look great en masse.

Photos by Alice Webb

Citygarden, Saint Louis

On January 5, 2013November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Parks, Public ArtLeave a comment

Citygarden is a relatively new (2009) sculpture park in downtown Saint Louis, Missouri, which I visited in late October of 2012. It encompasses two city blocks, and features over 20 works of art. The design of this park was inspired by the natural characteristics of the region’s river environments. Along the northern edge of the property, urban terraces represent river bluffs; the central, lower segment loosely depicts a flood plain; and a serpentine seat wall symbolizes a river as it winds along the southern section of the park. In addition, Citygarden has several sustainable features, including six rain gardens and a green roof on the park’s café.

All features at Citygarden are meant to be experienced – there are no “Do not touch” signs to be found at the park. In warmer months, a thin sheet of water runs down the Tilted Disc in front of this sculpture.

A series of steel arcs is one of the first sculptures in view when entering the park from the east. The Limestone Arc Wall, which gently curves across the length of the park, can be seen in the background.

The long, rectangular Split Basin is situated in the northeast quadrant of the park. There are two levels to this basin, with a waterfall in between, where the Limestone Arc Wall intersects it. A modernist café is situated to the right in this photo.

Arc sculptures as seen from above the Split Basin’s waterfall

The lower portion of the Split Basin includes stepping stones.

Park visitors check out the Video Wall.

The granite Meander Wall separates lawn from lush plantings

The Meander Wall continues along the southern section of the park, for 1,100 feet.

“The Door of Return” stands along the park’s central walkway. In summer, the Spray Plaza, behind this sculpture, includes numerous vertical water jets that spray in various patterns, with dancing lights at night.

“Scarecrow” stands guard along a wooded walkway.

“Zenit” adorns the summit of a hill at the park’s northwest corner.

View from the park’s high point, facing southeast

Playful rabbit sculpture at the park’s west end

Photos by Alice Webb

Rooftop Retreat: A Hospital’s Healing Garden

On November 29, 2012November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Gardens, Plants, Therapeutic Gardens3 Comments

The Olson Family Garden at St. Louis Children’s Hospital

In recent years, outdoor garden spaces at hospitals have become more common, and are often included with the construction of new health care facilities. They are usually referred to as therapeutic or healing gardens. Studies have shown that access to nature in hospital settings can reduce pain and relieve stress, which in turn enhances the immune system and speeds healing. Patients aren’t the only ones to benefit; their families and heath care staff can attain relaxation in these spaces as well.

In October I had the pleasure of visiting the Olson Family Garden at St. Louis Children’s Hospital (in St. Louis, Missouri). The staff horticultural therapist kindly gave me a tour of this delightful space. Built in the late 1990s, this 8,000-square-foot rooftop garden is dominated by a lush array of greenery, mostly in raised planters, and also seasonally in movable pots. An abundance of plant materials is important in any type of outdoor healing setting. This space also includes winding paths; stepping stones through a shallow pool; fountains; interesting and fanciful art pieces; a goldfish pond; various resting spots; movable furniture; and telescopes for viewing a large park near the hospital grounds. Furthermore, the garden is lit for nighttime access and viewing.

This garden isn’t just for passive enjoyment, however. Horticultural therapy sessions are facilitated in this space, where patients engage in gardening and associated activities. These sessions have many social, psychological, physical, and cognitive benefits. In addition, programs involving crafts, puppet shows, music, and storytelling brighten the spirits of the children.

This beautiful scene in the garden is in springtime, viewed from the entrance. A rolling sphere fountain can be seen in the foreground. Blooming Redbud trees are situated in front of a circle of columns topped with translucent leaf-shaped panels, symbolizing nature.

This miniature garden appeals to all ages.

Stepping stones cross a wading pool…

…and continue between two raised planters.

The garden’s goldfish pond

A restful nook with playful windows overlooking Forest Park

A custom-made planter with kid- and adult- level kaleidoscopes

In the foreground is one of several fountains in the garden (turned off for the season). Long-range telescopes, in the background, allow visitors to view Forest Park.

A wonderfully whimsical art piece

First four photos by Gary Wangler, Horticultural Therapist, St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Remaining photos by Alice Webb, blog author

Site Furniture with Flair

On October 24, 2012November 23, 2017 By Alice WebbIn Site Furniture2 Comments

Outdoor benches need not be ordinary – I’m often searching for one-of-a-kind seats, which seem to be a rarity among a profusion of manufactured site furnishings. Below are a few examples of unique seating opportunities that I’ve encountered on my treks through parks, gardens, and along urban streets.

“Talk tube” benches flank the entrance to Marla Dorrel Park, Cary, NC. These were created by an artist.

One of many “peel-up” benches on the High Line in New York City

A protruding slab of stone in this wall serves nicely as a bench. It’s located at Garden in the Woods, Framingham, MA.

Here is a series of curved benches at West Podium Park in Boston. Note that the width of each bench narrows from one end to the other.

Artist-created fish bench in Eastport Park, Boston

Clever melding of bench with building at South Boston Maritime Park

The following photos are of semi-permanent benches and chairs in downtown Belfast, Maine. Each was designed and built by an artist or craftsperson as part of the town’s “Please be Seated” project. They are bolted to the pavement and kept in place for part of one year (June through October). These are some of the 2012 installations.

“Isn’t it Grand” bench