PA Savannah Gardens Public Art Project

Transcription

1 SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY HISTORIC SITE AND MONUMENT COMMISSION PART 1: THEME AND LOCATION PART 2: DESIGN AND FUNDING PUBLIC ART RECOMMENDATION PETITIONER: FILE No.: LOCATION: 915 Waters Avenue Savannah, GA PA Savannah Gardens Public Art Project 601 Crescent Drive DATE: NATURE OF REQUEST: The petitioner is proposing to install a public art piece consisting of three vertical components each measuring approximately 9 tall by 2 at the widest point, and 5 thick and made primarily from reclaimed materials. The property owner, the City of Savannah, solicited proposals for a public art piece located within a pedestrian plaza in the newly constructed Savannah Gardens (see attached RFP) earlier this year. The petitioner, Jerome Meadows, was selected by the City to complete the public art piece. Savannah Gardens is a 44 acre mixed-use and mixed income neighborhood built to green, Earthcraft Coastal Community standards. The site was once occupied by housing for the Liberty Ship builders during WWII and was intended to be temporary. The subsequent severe deterioration of the housing led to its demolition after the CHSA Development Inc. and the City of Savannah acquired the site for redevelopment in However many of the original building materials were salvaged and reused in the new construction. The City s scope of work for the piece of art placed heavy emphasis of collaboration by the artist and the community residents in developing the design. Extensive public involvement was incorporated into the design process. It also required that the artwork incorporate as much reclaimed material as possible from the original structures. FINDINGS: Theme: The artist provided the following statement indicating how the theme is relevant to the community as a whole: The thematic objective of this work is based in large part on the results of numerous public sessions designed to solicit community input. The

2 Page 2 resulting concept/design is two fold: to speak to and of this newly developed community in a celebratory manner; and to utilize repurposed materials derived both from the site as well as elsewhere in Savannah. The work is designed to convey an uplifting, engaging and growing community through the use of multiple imaginative vertical components. This grouping provides a unique and eye catching presence from afar as well as an intimate space in which to enter, linger and walk through. A brightly colored, circular ceramic plaza encompassing these three sculptural components enhances one s personal experience by way of a playful vibrancy radiating from below. The materials utilized are all repurposed, including chalk boards and letters from the original site of Savannah Gardens, discarded fan blades from a coolant system at Gulf Stream, and numerous artistic tiles which I have in my studio. The utilization/transformation of such non-artistic elements within an artistic format addresses the community relevant theme of creating something new and engaging out of that which had been discarded. Location: The proposed artwork is located within a pedestrian plaza near Pennsylvania Avenue within the Savannah Gardens development. The specific site is within two low brick walls which form a square and provide seating. The site was specifically designed to accommodate a work of art. The following standards relate to the location public art: Standard Comments The installation of an object should not cause overcrowding of the site, if there are existing objects. Objects should be sited far enough away from other objects as to allow the visitor proper appreciation of each individually. The proposed object should not damage or disturb existing established vegetation on the site including low tree limbs, or significant tree roots. The proposed object should not require the removal or alteration of existing above or below ground utilities. The proposed site should be large enough to accommodate an object, and should not encroach on other existing object sites, buildings, or designated green space. The proposed site should not be prone to The site was designed for a work of art and there are no other artworks within the vicinity. The entire plaza is approximately 500 long and 160 wide. The specific site within the plaza is approximately 13 x 13.

3 Page 3 frequent automobile accidents which could damage the proposed object. The proposed site should be easily accessible to pedestrians and the physically challenged (excluding marker sites). The proposed site should be visible and accessible from a public right of way. The proposed site should have adequate parking nearby (excluding marker sites). The proposed site should not have a high probability of significant archaeology unless an archaeological study is part of the proposal. The proposed site should be easy to maintain. The installation of the object should enhance the space and character of the surrounding neighborhood. The installation of the object should not require the alteration or removal of existing signage (traffic, street, etc.). The installation of the object should enhance the design of the overall site. The installation of the object should not require the removal or alteration of existing sidewalks, unless it is part of a comprehensive re-design for the entire site (which is generally discouraged). The context of the proposed site should be a major consideration in the mass and scale of the proposed object. The site is fully handicapped accessible. The site is within the public right of way and easily visible from Pennsylvania Avenue. There is adequate parking within the development. The area is already very disturbed. No signage is present. The artwork is within an open plaza surrounded by two and three story tall buildings and the artwork is approximately nine feet tall. Design: The proposed design of the work of art includes three vertical components, each approximately nine feet tall, two feet wide (at widest point), and five inches thick. The bases will consist of one foot tall circular cast concrete, five foot tall industrial fiberglass fan blades, topped with cut slate chalkboards. Aluminum letters, reclaimed from the signage on the Pennsylvania School will be attached to the fan blades. The attached letters will not spell out any particular word but will be chosen so that the letters may be combined to form multiple different words by the reader. The components will be installed on a seven foot diameter mosaic of multi-colored tiles.

4 Page 4 The artist provided the following statement which indicates how the piece will enhance the space and relate to its surroundings: This artwork puts forth a deliberate design to allowing individuals walk through the work thus providing a unique way to interact with and experience the piece. It is a pedestrian scale designed for up close interaction while being compatible with the adjacent pedestrian piazza and substantial enough to serve as a signature neighborhood monument when viewed from Pennsylvania Avenue. The work makes extensive use of reclaimed and repurposed materials as a way of both embedding the history of the site while being consistent with the sustainable design ethos of the neighborhood development. The coloring of the various components of this work will draw from and reflect the palette of hues so beautifully utilized throughout the architectural character of the Savannah Gardens community. The following standards relate to the design of public art: Standard Comments Public art should generally be considered permanent and be designed accordingly, except in special situations which will be evaluated on an individual basis. designed and constructed of materials suitable for outdoor display. All proposed materials should have performed satisfactorily in the local climate for a period of time long enough to assure permanence. Future maintenance and conservation requirements should be considered. designed to be reasonably resistant to vandalism. designed so as not to pose a danger to the curious public, such as the use of sharp objects or loose parts. Monument and public art design should include landscaping, paving, seating, drainage, lighting, fencing, or other protective measures which may be considered necessary. of The artwork has been designed to be permanent. A foundation section has been provided which is stamped by a structural engineer. The materials proposed include: ceramic tiles, cast concrete, industrial fiberglass, slate, and aluminum. This artwork is a little unusual since it is predominantly made from recycled materials. The artist will provide a maintenance manual to the City postfabrication. While it is impossible to ensure vandalism will not occur, the design is reasonably resistant to vandalism. The standard is not met. Lighting has been budgeted for the project but the lighting plan has not been provided.

5 Page 5 superior quality and craftsmanship. A monument should be of original design, and public art should be an original work of art (one of a kind) or reproduced in editions of less than 200. Monuments and public art should not replicate an original monument or work of art. designed to complement and enhance the site in which it is located. It should not compete with, dominate or encroach upon existing monuments, public art, or buildings. respectful of the architectural, historical, geographical, and social/cultural context of the site. compatible in scale, materials, and form with its context. Context includes the buildings, monuments, public art, landscaping and open space to which the monument or public art is visually related. The artist s name may be incorporated into the design but should be in a discreet location on the work of art should have completed projects of similar size and scale in the public arena and be able to provide appropriate documentation. should have an excellent reputation and be able to provide verifiable references attesting to the quality of work. should be able to provide images or samples of existing similar monuments or works of art. The artwork is an original design. The artwork will enhance the pedestrian plaza and no other artwork is located in the vicinity. There was a high level of public participation in the project and the use of reclaimed materials speaks to the architectural heritage of the site. The size of the artwork is appropriate to the context. The artist s name is not proposed to be incorporated (see recommendation below). The artist has provided documentation of completed projects of similar size and scale in the public arena. The artist has an excellent reputation within the Savannah and national art community. Images have been provided.

6 Page 6 should be able to demonstrate the ability to meet the proposed timeframe. Timeframe: It is anticipated that fabrication of the artwork will be concluded in a period of 75 days to 3 months with installation on site talking place shortly thereafter. Artist selection process: The City of Savannah issued a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified artist, articulating both the desired design process, materials to be used, and basic design parameters. The resulting proposals were evaluated by a multi-department, multi-disciplinary team, including an architect from Housing Department, arts coordinators from the Cultural Affairs Department, an engineer from the Development Services Department, and a planner from the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Maintenance: A full document specifying maintenance instructions and schedules, detailing the specific materials used, their surface treatment and sealers will be provided pending results of the fabrication process. Funding: The City of Savannah has approved $30,000 for funding the project. The project budget breakdown is as follows: Design $6,000 Neighborhood Outreach $1,000 Fabrication $16,000 Production Outreach $1,000 Installation $1,000 Lighting $1,500 Footings $3,500 (estimated) An escrow fund has not been established or budgeted for this project (see recommendation below). Public Notice: As required in the Master Plan and Guidelines, written notice was sent to all property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. A sign was posted on the property fifteen days prior to the meeting. A certified letter was sent to the East Savannah Neighborhood Association. No comments were received from the public. The Historic Site and Monument Commission Technical Advisory Committee provided comments on the proposal that are attached as a separate document. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the public artwork because it meets the standards in the Master Plan and Guidelines for Markers, Monuments, and Public Art on the condition that the lighting plan is submitted to staff for approval and with the following considerations for the City:

7 Page 7 1. Consider incorporating a bronze plaque into the seating wall which includes the name of the artwork, the name of the artist, the date of installation, commissioned by the City of Savannah and a brief explanation that the reclaimed materials reference the original structures. 2. Consider establishing an escrow fund for the artwork. This is typically required for any organization seeking to erect a monument or artwork on City property.