ILAN AVERBUCH
Dancing with the Sound of the Train
A proposal for the
Warm Springs Plaza, Fremont, CA
1 Selected Past Works Related to the Project
2 Tappan Zee, 2020
Cor-ten weathering steel and granite, 13 x 21 x 3 feet
Located on the Esposito Trail, Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in Nyack, NY 3 The Sun on the Edge, 2021
Cor-ten weathering steel and recycled granite, 30 x 27 x 2 feet Located in a roundabout in the EDGE District. Commissioned by the City of St. Petersburg, FL 4 Wheat in Berlin, 1987
Wood, stone, steel, 12 x 15 x 15 feet
Berlin, Germany
5 Avanim Vetseadim (steps and stones), 2008
Stone, steel, 24 x 9.5 x 2 feet
Commissioned by the City of Leawood, Kansas, for Gezer Park 6 Landmark (the Crossing), 2008
Stone, steel, 24 x 24 x 22 feet
Camelback Transit Center, Phoenix, AZ; Commissioned by Valley Metro Rail 7 ILAN AVERBUCH
Dancing with the Sound
of the Train
A proposal for the
Warm Springs Plaza,
Fremont, CA
8 9
First sketch for Dancing with the Sound of the Train
20 ft
12 ft
A model for Dancing with the Sound of the Train
10 12 ft
Dancing with the Sound of the Train
For the City of Fremont: Warm Springs Plaza Public Art Project, I propose Dancing with the Sound of the Train, a large-scale site-specific installation depicting two large abstract forms mirroring each other and rising to twenty feet. The sculpture will be made of Cor-ten weathering steel and granite recycled from old bridges and roads.
The two sculptural forms have a human movement, and they seem to be locked in an endless dance. The inspiration for the forms comes from train tracks. However here, instead of being laid horizontally flat on the ground and traveling to the horizon, the two sets of tracks are similarly elevated vertically to face the sky. A train station usually has two tracks that take us to the left and right, but in this case, there are two tracks that form a corner with each other, leaning toward one another, and together climbing to the heavens. They are forever locked in a dance to the sound of passing trains.
The sculpture reflects on the train, its tracks, the people whose lives it affects, and the passage of time. It uses recycled stone from old bridges and roads combined with a new Cor-ten weathering steel construction.
Together, these materials become reincarnated as public art and simultaneously mark the entrance to the station, conversing with the leaning post and cables which hold the West Access Bridge.
Dancing with the Sound of the Train has a lightness and anti- gravitational feel, despite our knowledge of the true weight of stone and steel. Like the modern suspension cable bridge that backgrounds the work, the sculpture has the illusion of weightlessness inherent in the physics and ingenuity of the new construction. At the same time, the use of recycled stone and industrial materials alludes to older train tracks and bridges. For over a century, tracks carried the trains and the people who built the vast lands of the USA. Dancing with the Sound of the Train is in dialogue with the history of the railroad, Innovation District and the Plaza’s transit-oriented setting. 11
The artwork respects the distinct character of the West Access Bridge, while having its own exhilarating presence as a point of arrival in Fremont that captures the light, movement and transit of the trains. The sculpture with its human-like movement and its twenty feet height will serve as focal point for the community visiting the southern plaza and herald Fremont as an art destination.
The work will stand out both in the day and at night when it will be lit by ground lights that be a part of our installation. 12 Close-up view of the sculpture with the bridge behind. 13 View of the sculpture illuminated at night. 14
Materials
Recycled granite from old bridges Cor-ten weathering steel The work is made of Cor-ten weathering steel and recycled granite. The granite in this work is recycled from old bridges and roads. Cor-ten is a weathering steel that builds up a natural and protective layer of rust when exposed to the elements.
It produces a rich rust color. The protective rust has a corrosion-retarding effect creating a barrier against natural elements and weather. 15
Fabrication Plan
• Foundation and sculpture will be calculated by an
engineer licensed in the state of California who will
account for all issues: seismic, wind, soil and weight. • Steel plates will be cut, bent and welded to form the two bent vertical forms in my studio.
• Steel tubes will be welded to connect the two sides to form invisible inner steel rungs.
• Granite stones will be cut to fit around the steel rungs and will be bolted and glued to inner steel.
• Foundation will be created by a local contactor according to engineer’s drawing.
• Sculpture will be brought by two semi-trailers to the site. • Crane will be used to lift form and place it vertically on previously cast foundation.
• Sculpture will be firmly connected to bolts embedded in the foundation.
•Lighting is placed and connected to electrical source by licensed electrician.
• Finishing work to cover foundation to be even with the rest of the plaza.
• Removal of all debris and cleanup.
2 layers of granite connected
to inner steel
16 Installation photograph of Landmark, showing how the internal steel structure is fabricated and the stone connections 17 Maintenance
The work is made of durable industrial materials and requires no maintenance.
In case of graffiti, paint remover will clean the surface and the thin film of protective rust will reemerge typical to Cor-ten weathering steel. Weathering steel, with its protective rust, is used in the exterior façade of many new buildings. The stones are out of human reach, but in case of graffiti, can also be treated with paint remover. 18 Artwork Budget
Item Cost
Artist Design Fee $120,000.00
Artist Fabrication Fee $120,000.00
Steel $60,000.00
Stone $30,000.00
Hardware $7,000.00
Equipment Rental (Crane, Boomreach) $15,000.00
Gravel $5,000.00
Studio Costs $5,000.00
Assistants $50,000.00
Administration $6,000.00
Foundation $30,000.00
Plaque $3,000.00
Transportation $30,000.00
Travel for Installation $10,000.00
Insurance- General Liability + Worker's Compensation $4,000.00 Lights $16,000.00
Photography and documentation $1,000.00
Insurance $4,000.00
Engineer $20,000.00
Cleanup and debris removal $4000.00
Contingency (10% of total) $60,000.00
Total $600,000.00 19
View of the sculpture looking south-east.
20 WARM SPRINGS PLAZA ARTWORK HOU DE SOUSA
Thanks for inviting us to participate in this exciting opportunity.
We would be honored and thrilled to build artwork for the people of Fremont. It was a joy brainstorming ideas and designing two options for this fantastic project. Many thanks for your time and consideration!
FLO INSPIRATIONS AND CONCEPT 2
Warm Springs Plaza is a place of motion.
A multitude of travelers passes through
each day. People arrive on foot, bicycle,
and wheel chair. They ascend an elevator,
an escalator and a stairway in order
to cross a bridge and board a train.
Movement is everywhere.
In addition to facilitating a continuous flux
of circulation, the plaza also hosts static
activities, reserving areas for repose and
public gathering.
In the spirit of this context, Flo is both
a portal and a destination. The project’s
omni-directional gateways welcome folks
arriving from all directions and invites
them to explore the intricacies of the
sculpture as well as the unique public
space it defines.
Inspired by its location at the start of
Innovation Way, and more broadly within
the City of Fremont (the home of multiple
cutting edge industries), Flo is designed to
spark serendipitous encounters, provide
a forum for in-person conversations, and
serve as the focal point of the community.
And just as collaboration is the catalyst of
innovation, and a community is defined
by all of its unique members, Flo weaves
together many independent strands into
a greater whole.
Flo
3 Iconic from a distance, Flo is a technicolor
beacon that draws people in. From up
close, the project invites exploration and
discovery. Undulating and textured forms
are punctuated by circular apertures that
frame visitors as well as the surrounding
context. The largest of these apertures
multitasks as a bench, welcoming folks to
take a break and experience the artwork
in a tactile way.
The airy interwoven “wall” that encircles
Flo is composed of welded steel frames.
This provides visual transparency while
also limiting the lateral forces of wind.
The structural integrity of the piece is
further reinforced by the inherent rigidity
of its enclosed footprint.
During evening hours, an integrated set
of LED fixtures illuminates the sculpture,
transforming it into a full spectrum
lantern.
Flo
FLO INSPIRATIONS AND CONCEPT
FLO SITE VIEW FROM ABOVE 4
Innovation Way
FLO SPACE, GEOMETRY AND DIMENSIONS 5
Available volume at the project site Softened perimeter eases pedestrian circulation
Create a central space
Tilted rim echoes the diagonal slope of
the nearby escalator and stairway
Opening up apertures, seating, and gateways Softened edges further streamlines pedestrian flow
FLO APERTURES, SEATING AND GATEWAYS 6
FLO OPEN CIRCULATION 7
FLO SITE PREPARATION AND MODULAR INSTALL 8
1 2
modules
concrete foundation
1 2
FLO DETAILS 9
• total weight = 12,790 lbs
• Primed and then finished with a high
performance fluoropolymer paint, and antigraffiti coating 2 1
3 4
5 6
7 painted steel fins
painted steel base plate
concrete anchors
pavers
soil
reinforced concrete foundation
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 bolts or equivalent fasteners
FLO VIEW FROM ABOVE 10
FLO VIEW LOOKING NORTH 11
FLO UP CLOSE 12
FLO VIEW TOWARDS THE DIABLO RANGE 13
FLO LOOKING UP 14
FLO EVENING VIEW TOWARDS INNOVATION WAY 15
FLO EVENING VIEW FROM ABOVE 16
HATCH INSPIRATIONS 17
Sprouting from a planter within Warm
Springs Plaza, Hatch stretches upwards
towards an undulating ridge of summits
and valleys that evokes the nearby
peaks of the Diablo Range. The project’s
patchwork composition of striated steel
frames takes inspiration from many
sources, including community quilts as
well as the pottery technique of Kintsugi.
Each of which pieces together unique
and individual parts into a cohesive and
united whole.
Beyond a celebration of community,
Hatch can also be seen as a symbolic
rejoice of innovation, and the moment
when new ideas are born.
Subdivided into individual frames that
ease the logistics of transportation and
installation, Hatch is free to achieve a
large volume and footprint. Its study
structural shell is open in all directions,
allowing wind forces to pass through
without resistance.
Hatch
HATCH SITE VIEW FROM ABOVE 18
Innovation Way
HATCH GEOMETRY, PATTERN AND DIMENSIONS 19
Starting point Subdivided into unique frames Hatched pattern of fins HATCH SITE PREPARATION AND MODULAR INSTALL 20
1 modular frames
concrete foundation
1 2
2 HATCH VIEW FROM ABOVE 21
HATCH VIEW LOOKING NORTH 22
HATCH LOOKING TOWARDS MISSION PEAK, MOUNT ALLISON, AND MONUMENT PEAK 23 HATCH EVENING VIEW TOWARDS INNOVATION WAY 24
HATCH EVENING VIEW FROM ABOVE 25
FLO + HATCH MATERIALS, SITE REQUIREMENTS, AND PROJECT TIMELINE 26
SITE REQUIREMENTS
1. Concrete foundations will be required.
2. The lighting fixtures will require an on-site
electrical connection
3. “Flo” requires the removal of the existing
benches and planter. The area would be
paved to match the surrounding hard-scape.
These modifications are accounted for in the
budget on the following page.
4. “Hatch” maintains the existing benches
and planter.
PROJECT TIMELINE
Design Development and Engineering
(2 months)
Permitting - if required
(TBD - 2 months assumed )
Fabrication and Site Preparation
(5-6 months)
Delivery
(3 days)
Installation
(3 days)
steel plates anchor bolts
high-performance fluoropolymer coating LED flood lights 27 Materials Materials
Steel Plates $57,500 Steel Plates $61,500
Hardware $7,500 Hardware $9,500
High-Performance Fluoropolymer Paint $32,500 High-Performance Fluoropolymer Paint $22,000 $97,500 $93,000
Fabrication Fabrication
Labor and Metalwork $171,000 Labor and Metalwork $189,500 Lasercutting $19,000 Lasercutting $24,500
Surface Preparation and Painting $58,000 Surface Preparation and Painting $38,000 $248,000 $252,000
Lighting and Electrical Lighting and Electrical
Electrical and lighting materials $8,500 Electrical and lighting materials $8,500 Electrical work and lighting install $12,000 Electrical work and lighting install $12,000 $20,500 $20,500
Site Prep, Transport and Install Site Prep, Transport and Install Site: Foundation, Bench Removal, Paving $17,500 Site: Foundation $12,000 Packing and Transport $7,500 Packing and Transport $6,500 Installation Materials, Equipment, Labor $27,000 Installation Materials, Equipment, Labor $33,500 $52,000 $52,000
Other Other
Artist Fee and Project Management $88,000 Artist Fee and Project Management $88,000 Engineering $28,000 Engineering $28,000
Lighting Design $11,500 Lighting Design $11,500
Professional Photography $6,000 Professional Photography $6,000 Plaque $1,200 Plaque $1,200
Travel Expenses (2 trips) $3,500 Travel Expenses (2 trips) $3,500 Insurance $8,000 Insurance $8,000
Contingency $15,000 Contingency $15,000
$161,200 $161,200
TOTAL ARTIST BUDGET (FLO) $579,200 TOTAL ARTIST BUDGET (HATCH) $578,700 FLO + HATCH BUDGETS / MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
The steel artwork will be primed and
then painted with a high-performance
fluoropolymer finish with an anti-graffiti top
coat. Fluoropolymer coatings are the highest
grade industrial paints available. This ultra
durable finish is typically used in architectural
applications.
We do not foresee chipping or color fading
of the paint under normal conditions. If the
artwork is periodically maintained as per the
following guidelines, only minor patching
of the paint on site may be required in the
distant future.
To help extend the life of the coating, a
simple wash with mild detergent and water
is recommended once a year to remove the
buildup of dirt and residue.
Bolts and fastener connections should be
inspected once a year as well to ensure they
are tightly secured.
If graffiti is found, it should be removed using
a solvent such as alcohol.
A maintenance budget of $20,000 has been
allocated for the artwork (this pertains to
both “Flo” and “Hatch”).
HOU DE SOUSA OUR TEAM 28
Nancy Hou and Josh de Sousa
Artist/Designer
Nancy and Josh are the founders of Hou de Sousa, a
New York based design studio focused on creating art
for public spaces. There multi-disciplinary approach
has brought repeated popular success in building
playful and carefully tailored site-specific projects.
Over the past several years, the studio has won design
competitions hosted by the Architectural League
of New York, Dupont Underground, Flatiron BID,
Friends of the High Line, Georgetown BID, Google, the
Kansas City International Airport, the Korean Ministry
of Culture, the City of Manhattan Beach, the City of
Sarasota, Socrates Sculpture Park, and the Van Alen
Institute.
In 2021 Hou de Sousa was selected as a Design
Vanguard by Architectural Record magazine. Each year
this honor is given to a handful of emerging practices
from around the world.
Brian McCutcheon
Fabricator
Brian is the founder, owner and chief design officer of Ignition Art LLC, a company that specializes in design
development, project management, fabrication, and
installation of large-scale public art projects by national and international artists and designers.
Ignition Arts has successfully produced projects for
artists such as Mary Miss, Rob Ley, Sopheap Pich,
and Marc Fornes/THEVERYMANY, with project
budgets ranging from $30,000 - $1.2M. Ignition’s
leadership and team have a pragmatic understanding
of the complexities of working in the public - they
have extensive knowledge of how unique works are
produced, and the physical resources to accomplish
large creative public projects.
Allan Olson SE MBA LEED AP
Structural Engineer
Allan Olson is an Associate in Arup’s Los Angeles
office. Since joining Arup in 2007, he has worked
with some of the world’s most celebrated clients on
projects including performing arts centers, restaurants, convention centers, high-rise buildings, long-span
roofs, academic buildings, laboratories, subway
stations, airports, museums, sculptures and extensions
to existing structures in the Americas, Europe, Asia
and the Middle East.
Recently, Allan has led the design of an iconic 420,000 square foot headquarters for Google, a 50,000 square
foot “leaning” events building in Los Angeles, California, and delivered the highly multi-disciplinary 320,000
square foot Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi. He
has recently supported Hou de Sousa in realizing
public-scale sculptures in Mountain View, California,
Ogden, Utah and Washington, DC. He is an SE in the
State of California.
HOU DE SOUSA RESUME 29
Awards, Honors and Competition Wins
Honor • 2021 Design Vanguard Prize
Awarded by Architectural Record Magazine. June, 2021
Winner • “Riff/Lift” - Kansas City Int’l Airport
Open RFP for public art in Kansas City, MO. Opening 2022 Winner • “Aura, Hooray, Pebble” - WMATA Headquarters
Open RFP for public art in Washington, DC. Opening 2022 Winner • “Go” - Google’s New HQ Artwork
Open RFP for artwork in Mountain View, CA. Opening 2022 Winner • “Bubble” - The Corner Plaza Art
Open RFP in Ogden, Utah, Opening 2022
Winner • “Poly” - Roundabout Sculpture
Open RFP for public art in Sarasota, Florida. Opening 2022 Winner • “Chromatic” - Manhattan Beach City Hall
Open RFP for public art in Manhattan Beach, CA. 2021
Finalist • “Happy Panda II”
Nominated for ArchDaily’s Building of the Year. 2020
Winner • “Atomic” - Georgetown GLOW
Open RFP for Georgetown Art Installation. 2019
Winner • “Ziggy” - Flatiron Public Plaza
Invited Competition for installation in New York, NY. 2019 Winner • “High Line Food and Retail Kiosks”
Invited RFP for a design commission in New York, NY. 2019 Winner • “Prismatic” - Georgetown GLOW
Open RFP for Georgetown Art Installation. 2018
Finalist • “Cosmo” - Times Square Valentine Heart
Invited Competition for Installation in New York, NY. 2019 2nd Prize • “Cuneiformed” - Nat. Museum of World Writing Open Int. Architecture Competition in South Korea. 2017 Finalist • “Raise/Raze” - Best Art Installation
Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Awards. 2016
Winner • “Sticks” - Folly/Function Competition
Open Competition hosted by the Arch. League of NY and
Socrates Sculpture Park in New York, NY. 2016
Winner • “Raise/Raze” - Re-ball! Competition
Open Competition for installation hosted by Dupont
Underground and the National Building Museum. 2016
Winner • “Happy Panda” - Best Restaurant Design
IIDA’s Best Interiors of Latin America. 2015
Winner • “Atmospheres” - Stucki Basel Shopping Center
Invited Competition for Installations in Switzerland. 2012 Exhibitions
Art Omi • “Prismatic II”. Ghent, NY. July 2021 - July 2023 Beacon Park • “Bounce”. Detroit, MI. June 2021 - Sept. 2021 Harborside • “Ziggy”. Jersey City, NJ. April. 2021 - Nov. 2021 Downtown NYC • “Ziggy”. NY, NY. Oct. 2020 - April 2021
Flatiron Plaza • “Ziggy”. NY, NY. Nov. 2019 - Jan. 2020 Georgetown GLOW • “Atomic”. DC. Dec. 2019 - Jan. 2020
Art OMI • “Prismatic”. Ghent, NY. May 2019 - 2021
The Adams Gallery • “Isometric MLK”. Dunkirk, NY. 2019
Plaxall Gallery • “Gesso on Basswood”. Queens, NY. 2019 Georgetown GLOW • “Prismatic”. DC. Dec. 2018 - Jan. 2019 MMCA • “Cuneiformed”. Seoul, South Korea. 2017
Selected Press
Madame Architect • “Positive Change: Nancy Hou on Asking the Right Questions” J. Gamolina. Sept. 8, 2021
Designboom • “Hou de Sousa suspends neon triangles over Beacon Park in Detroit.” L. Myers. June 11, 2021
Architectural Record • “Design Vanguard 2021: Hou de Sousa.” Wendy Moonan. June 2021
NPR Kansas City • “Artists Selected...Massive Public Art Project at Kansas City Int’l Airport.” C. Moreno. June, 2021
Detroit Metro Times • “A Light Up Art Installation is Coming to Detroit’s Beacon Park.” Lee DeVito. June 1, 2021
Interior Design • “Hou de Sousa Creates a Whimsical Chinese Restaurant in Quito” Q. Halman. Jan. 7, 2021
Elle Decor • “La Vera Anima del Ristorante Cinese…” Stefano Annovazzi Lodi. Jan. 3, 2021
Archdaily • “Happy Panda II Restaurant / Hou de Sousa”. Paula Pintos. Dec 4, 2020
Designboom • “Hou de Sousa installs colorful chandelier canopy...”. Myrtho Katsikopoulou. Nov 23, 2020.
Untapped Cities • “12 New Public Art Installations in NYC November 2020”. Justin Wu. Nov. 2, 2020
CNN • “9 of the US’s Wildest, Weirdest and Most Exciting Spectacular Outdoor Art Experiences.” July 7, 2020.
Metropolis • “New Talent: Portal to the Public”. Akiva Blander June 2020
Archinect • “Must-Follow Architecture Firms on Instagram 2020.” Katherine Guimapang. April 20, 2020
Interior Design • “15 Coolest Installations of 2019.” Dec. 2019.
Artnet • “Editors’ Picks: 13 Things Not to Miss in New York’s Art World This Week, Holiday Edition.” Dec. 23, 2019
Dezeen • “Hou de Sousa Wraps Rebar in Colourful String
Outside New York’s Flatiron Building.” K. Kline. Dec. 2, 2019 Curbed • “NY’s Best Art Installations“ V. Ricciulli. Nov. 2019.
Architectural Digest • “Prismatic Installation / Hou de Sousa.” Kristan Schiller and Liddy Berman. Aug. 7, 2019
Detail • “Multiplicity of Perspectives: Prismatic by Hou de Sousa.” July 9, 2019.
Metropolis • “A New Installation in Washington, D.C. Plays with Color, Perspective, and Geometry.” Jan. 2, 2019.
Archipreneur • “10 Best Emerging Architecture Firms in 2017“.
Dec 21, 2017
Architectural Review • “Sticks Case Study: Q&A with Josh de Sousa“. Merlin Fulcher. Dec 4, 2017.
Architizer • “10 Architecture Firms to Watch in 2017” December 27, 2016
Cultured Magazine • “Proof of Concept.” Winter 2016
Interior Design • “Best of Year: Installation.” Dec. 2016.
Architectural Record • “Firm to Watch: Hou de Sousa.” David Sokol. September 2016
Domus • “Sticks” July 29, 2016
Dwell • “Architecture Remix: Hou de Sousa is on a Roll with Two Winning Competition Entries” July 30, 2016
The Washington Post • “Underneath Dupont Circle, a Playground for Democracy.” May 5, 2016
NANCY HOU
Education
Harvard University • Master of Architecture II, 2008
Cornell University • Bachelor of Architecture, 2005
Professional and Academic Experience
Hou de Sousa • Co-Founder and Principal, 2010 - Present Parsons School of Design • Visiting Lecturer, 2015 - 2018 Stephanie Goto • Designer & Project Manager, 2008 - 2010 Slade Architecture • Designer, 2006
Kohn Pedersen Fox • Design Intern, 2004
Visiting Critic • Cooper Union, Cornell University, Pratt, NJIT, New York Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, Universidad San Francisco (Ecuador)
Lectures / Conferences / Events
Paris Design Awards • Jurist, 2021
Re-think Dupont Underground Circle • Jurist, 2021
Arch. League of NY• Reimagine Moderator, 2020
AIA Dallas Unbuilt Awards • Jurist, 2018
IABSE Future of Design Conference • Panelist, 2018
Arch. League of NY • Student Program Lecturer/Panelist, 2017 AIA DC Unbuilt Awards • Jurist, 2017
IMPU (Inst. de Plan. Urbana de Quito) • Speaker, 2017
Cornell University • Architecture Portfolio Day Reviewer, 2017 Arch. League of NY • Folly Function Panelist, 2017, 2016 Hillyer Art Space Panel Discussion • Panelist, 2016
National Building Museum • “Talk Re-Ball!” Lecture, 2016 Harvard Alumni Architectural/Urban Society Events • 2016 - Present
JOSH DE SOUSA
Education
Harvard University • Master of Architecture II, 2008
Cornell University • Bachelor of Architecture, 2005
Professional and Academic Experience
Hou de Sousa • Co-Founder and Principal, 2010 - Present Parsons School of Design • Visiting Lecturer, 2016 - 2021 New Jersey Institute of Tech. • Visiting Faculty, 2015
Joel Sanders Architect • Project Designer, 2009 - 2010
Polshek Partnership • Junior Architect, 2008 - 2009
Office for Metropolitan Architecture • Design Intern, 2007 Simone Giostra and Partners • Project Architect, 2006
Skidmore Owings & Merrill • Design Intern, 2004
Visiting Critic • City College of New York, Cornell University, Hofstra University, Massachusetts College of Art, New York Institute of Technology, New York School of Interior Design, University of Southern California, Syracuse University
HOU DE SOUSA CONTACT INFO 30
CONTACT INFO
Hou de Sousa LLC
41 Union Square West
Suite #1035
New York, NY 10003
(212) 243-6688
www.houdesousa.com
Nancy Hou
[email protected]
Josh de Sousa
[email protected]
PART 1: ARTIST STATEMENT
MORREL STUDIOS
WARM SPRINGS PLAZA, FREMONT, CA
CONCEPTUAL ART PROPOSAL
“UNITY TOWERS”
VISION AND INSPIRATION:
I am very excited by the opportunity to contribute to the development of Warm Springs Plaza. My inspiration for Unity Towers came from the various architectural elements of the site itself: the bold design of the West Access Bridge with its almost ship-like or vessel-like form, the geometric elevator tower juxtaposed against the bridge and the cables or rods forming dynamic lines to the upper platform. The challenge of integrating the vocabulary and range of these various elements into the assigned space led me to develop two sculptures that will work together in concert, using a combination of geometric design, reflective materials (mirrored Stainless Steel) and LED lighting, to compliment, define and activate the entire site. I wanted to create a totally unique artwork with an iconic statement of place, a welcoming gateway with a sense of entry, a kind of “portal” beckoning visitors in. I believe Unity Towers will successfully amplify the global reach of your project and visually embody the mission for the Warm Springs Plaza, turning the daily routine of travel into an adventure and encouraging visitors to discover innovative new ways of thinking.
The mirrored Stainless Steel body of each sculpture will reflect fragments of the West Access Bridge and elevator tower as well as the surrounding landscape design, creating a kaleidoscopic effect. These reflections will change when viewed from different angles, as pedestrians walk around the artwork and will vary as the light shifts throughout the day and as the seasons change.
The structure of Unity Towers (heavy-duty 1 ½” thick aluminum plate) is drilled and bolted, countersunk and covered with mirrored Stainless Steel panels. The entire structure will be solidwelded to the base and set in the concrete foundation. 10-gauge mirror-polished Stainless steel will be cut on a waterjet machine.
MATERIALS AND FABRICATION:
Unity Towers will display illuminated, lighted squares in high-powered LED with the capability to switch from blue to white lights. High-intensity light strips will be incorporated into the interior edges of the sculptures (shown in included renderings) and will reflect a graphic pattern in the sculptures’ mirrored surfaces. This will dramatically change the character of the artwork in the night environment and establish a direct visual connection to the Light Column Cluster.
I have never placed any lighting directly in the body of my sculptures. In this instance the site calls for lighting and activation at night with a totally different presence and appearance.
LIGHTING:
MORREL STUDIOS, INC. | 814 CORAL WAY, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 | 917-266-4257 | [email protected] | WWW.OWENMORREL.COM PLACEMENT:
I specifically worked on positioning Unity Towers so they would be in proximity to the geometric elevator tower and visually complimentary to its design. Exact final placement of the towers within the 16’ x 16’ envelope would be in concert with your concerns for the free flow of traffic and so as not to impede plaza functions and their clearances. There is latitude within the design to move the bases, which are approximately 7’ x 7’, slightly if necessary. As shown, the approximately 17’ tall Towers have been placed to maximize pedestrian access, relate visually to the Light Column Cluster and reflect architectural aspects of the plaza. Additionally, the bases have been designed as seating that matches existing benches
MORREL STUDIOS, INC. | 814 CORAL WAY, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 | 917-266-4257 | [email protected] | WWW.OWENMORREL.COM
MAINTENANCE
Polished stainless steel requires minimal maintenance and should last as long as the site exists.
Snow, sun, wind, and salt air will not damage surface. Sculptures are designed with easy access to interior LED lights, which will be the finest available with long-life fixtures.
Long-Term Maintenance Needs:
• Leaf blower to clear surfaces as-needed
• Once or twice yearly professional cleaning:
• Auto Soap and Wax applied with large sponges or soft pads • Clear water (do not pressure wash)
• Polish using Stainless Steel polish
• Wipe down gently with microfiber cloth
• No brushes should be used to apply wash, wax or polish • Morrel Studios should be notified if any questions arise Recommended products
• McGuire’s Car Wash and Wax (or similar)
• Weiman’s Stainless Steel Polish (or similar)
• Autozone Microfiber Cloth (or similar)
PROJECT BUDGET:
MORREL STUDIOS, INC. | 814 CORAL WAY, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 | 917-266-4257 | [email protected] | WWW.OWENMORREL.COM Design and 3D Development (architect) $6,500.00
Engineering
Certified drawings signed and stamped by California-licensed structural engineer, Martin/Martin P.E.
$18,000.00
Foundation drawings and concrete development of plinths Including any consideration below-grade. Reviewed and stamped by a structural engineer
$5,900.00
Lighting engineer
Drawings and housing design of LED
$7,500.00
Fabrication and installation of high-power LED strip lighting Channels attached (flush) onto the interior linear edges of sculptures.
Power to lights by others.
$82,000.00
Concrete foundations
Poured on site including any reinforcing substructure
$47,000.00
Fabrication including materials
(mirror-polished Stainless Steel, aluminum plate, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel structure) by La Paloma Fine Arts, Los Angeles, CA $346,800.00
Transportation from Los Angeles
Via tractor trailer, including escort vehicle
$6,900.00
Installation with hydraulic crane and riggers
Including mobilization of installation crew, site protection $18,000.00
Artist fee
Including travel and office expenses
$47,000.00
Legal $3,500.00
Insurance $5,000.00
Long-term maintenance (per year) $900.00
PROJECT TOTAL $600,000.00
UNITY TOWERS BULLET POINT SUMMARY:
• Iconic vertical towers: strong site identifier / meeting place / aids in wayfinding
• Guides visitors to the site from afar / draws viewers in • Mirrored Stainless Steel reflects architecture and elements of the surrounding site
• Reflections change from different angles and as the site changes • Visually interesting from any vantage point
• Appeals to everyone through the universal language of geometry • LED lights for unique presence at night
• Works with existing grade to create areas of intimacy and repose • Both sculptures designed with partially-shaded seating that matches existing benches
• Low maintenance
MORREL STUDIOS, INC. | 814 CORAL WAY, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134 | 917-266-4257 | [email protected] | WWW.OWENMORREL.COM PART 2: PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS
MORREL STUDIOS
WARM SPRINGS PLAZA, FREMONT, CA
CONCEPTUAL ART PROPOSAL
“UNITY TOWERS”
UNITY TOWERS PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS:
UNITY TOWERS PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS:
UNITY TOWERS PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS:
UNITY TOWERS PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS:
UNITY TOWERS PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS:
UNITY TOWERS PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS:
UNITY TOWERS PROPOSED ARTWORK VISUALS (EXAMPLE OF MIRRORED STAINLESS STEEL):