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[ Seven Spires ] [ Morris Library ] [ Tribute Park ]
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Three-dimensional model of the
Tribute Park Sculpture. |
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Tribute Park Sculpture (to be installed in
2010) |
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Overall height in vertical position: 40
feet, centerline of columns: 15 feet square. |
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Evan Lewis's proposal was selected as
the winning one after a national competition held by the Tribute Committee
of the City of Ohio. The objective of this public art piece is to
commemorate all that were involved in building of the Veterans' Glass City
Skyway and the new cable-stayed bridge with a center pylon that houses LED
glass panels (www.lookuptoledo.org). |
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The proposed sculpture is a
large pavilion resting atop four columns. From the columns a tower sweeps
upward; holding two wind-powered kinetic components. The four columns are
the shoulders the sculpture rests on. The columns are made of pre-cast
concrete and their shape is inspired by the supports of the bridge. They
share the same diamond cross-section and I have added a curvilinear shape
with an implied capitol to set them slightly apart from the bridge
supports.
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From the tops of the columns a
stainless steel structure brings the idea of four into one with a powerful
geometric sweep. The columns with the tower above create a pavilion-like
enclosure that provides the viewers with an intimate and personal
experience and a chance to “inhabit” the sculpture. The pavilion is
open and airy; it doesn’t constrict. The viewers are free to enter and
exit at their own will. |
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Mounted on the opposite sides of the
tower are two kinetic wind-powered elements, each consisting of seven
precisely balanced inter-connected moving parts. Even though they are
identical in their shape and size, they will never move exactly the same
way. Not only is their power source – wind – an unpredictable natural
phenomenon, the two kinetic elements also face opposite each other
reacting to the wind differently. Moving their separate ways they will
always relate to each other, joined by the tower. Much like the two
directions the traffic will move on the bridge and like the two shores –
different yet always connected by the bridge. The kinetic elements, just
like the tower that supports them, will be made of burnished stainless
steel. This material doesn’t corrode, it retains its luminous silvery
color and it beautifully captures and reflects back the colors of the sky
and the surroundings. |
