ALTERATION2011
PURPOSE:
The Greenville section of the American Institute of Architects and its Architecture Month Committee are seeking proposals from designers, artists, and other interested participants for a
temporary public installation in downtown Greenville.
AIA Greenville’s Architecture Month aims to promote an understanding and appreciation of the art and craft of architecture within the community of Greenville in order to encourage the public’s expectation of and insistence on an ever higher level of quality in the city’s built environment. We pursue these
objectives through a variety of exhibits, tours, lectures, forums, and educational events.
In particular, ALTERATION was conceived as an opportunity to enhance appreciation for the city’s public spaces by temporarily modifying and reinterpreting them through design.
CONSIDERATIONS:
First and foremost, the proposals should be spatial in nature. They should either create new space or enhance existing space. Designers should also consider: feasibility; construction and demolition sequencing; safety and security; and perception at day-time versus nighttime.
SITE:
Three potential sites have been selected and are described in the following pages. Each proposal should pertain to one of these three sites. Participants who have ideas for more than one
site are encouraged to submit multiple proposals. There is no limit to the number of proposals submitted.
Location:
Staging Deck near Spill the Beans crossing over the Reedy to far side of bridge.
Process:
A “designing group” would email me and reserve an appointment, first come first served. Any appointment not met within 5 minutes late will default to people viewing or volunteers themselves. Groups should arrived 20 min. early to understand sequence and selections available…first appointment would be 20min. before 1st hanging.
First group selects from a wide variety of shapes and colors, places them in their preferred order and helps volunteers hang the group of flags and lanterns they have selected…approximately 70 pieces. We will have about 250 pieces to choose from. Then they can proceed to the bridge to enjoy their work and take pictures. They will have about 10 minutes to observe.
It is important to everyone to maintain the 20 minute intervals…2nd group will have made and loaded their colors on the nearby table in order of their preference. Volunteers roll in the flags/lanterns and proceed to hang the next groups work. 5 minutes is built in for taking off flags.
Last group leaves their flags overnight…volunteers lock up site and put in storage for next night.
Intent is to have a selection of lanterns…150 in an assortment of colors and multiples as well, 100 banners of dyed colors and shapes…giving 250 choices.
So two rows per design group would allow 6070 pieces per hanging with no limitations to what the group decides to hang from our choices. For instance they might choose all purple and orange, or all ivory…or multicolored. They may choose all lanterns…note these will light toward dusk…should be something to see. Most people will want the later hours but the daylight will allow pictures from the bridge. City may have input on hours of operation.
As I worked on this proposal at the site…I asked several men if they would estimate the distance from the observation deck on the Spill the Beans side to the large tree on the opposite side. One was a builder and chose the 450’ measurement. His wife was inquisitive as to what I was working on and after telling them they said…”we will come back to Greenville if you get to do this.” They got it! I really think this could be engaging for the public…yet simplistic in concept. Hopefully lots of folks would just come to watch especially as the night falls.
Melinda Hoffman
OBJECTIVE AND CONCEPT
Since its birth, the Liberty Bridge has become a meeting place for people to connect and enjoy the falls. Knowing that many dialogues take place at this site every day, it was natural for a dialogue sculpture to be erected at this sight.
CONSTRUCTION
This piece is made of styrofoam blocks with a metal frame holding it in place. At its weakest point, this sculpture will be weighted down with concrete or lead.
Alteration 2011 is an opportunity to create a new experience in an existing public space. Through the manipulation of form, we aim to enhance the space surrounding the Liberty Bridge Our initial goals for this project were to create a space that could be altered and manipulated. We began with a careful analysis of the site itself, and the environmental conditions we had to work with. Because of the site’s location at the end of the Liberty Bridge, it became very important that the sculpture could be experienced both visually and physically. These two experiences are separated by one’s proximity to the sculpture, and united through its formal qualities.
The sculpture is a grid composed of individual squares that are able to rotate independently from each other, while remaining in a fixed location on the grid. Those interacting with the piece up close will be able to turn the individual pieces; touching them, and inspecting them. Seeing the project from a distance will be a completely different experience. Unable to inspect the individual pieces, the sculpture becomes one united image, ever-changing in the wind.
This is an example of how an image could be created on the exterior of the form. The resolution of the chosen image is reduced down to the same pixel dimensions of the wall itself and each square becomes one of those pixels. The image on this poster shows a picture of orange flowers being created on a curved section of the wall. This would allow the form to be experienced from a distance, as it becomes an ever-changing representation of the sculpture’s unity. Up close, each of those squares/pixels could contain a smaller image within the ‘pixel.’ These images could be pictures taken from downtown Greenville, and help to emphasize the projects focus on community.
We have represented two different possibilities for the overall form of the grid. These shapes are designed to mimic the space around them; and to enhance the quality of that space without interrupting its natural flow. The exact images displayed on the sculpture are uncertain at this point, but the concept is clear.
This sculpture is a simple representation of the possibilities of architecture. It creates a new experience by enhancing an existing space. Through its construction, it displays the beauty and simplicity of repeated forms. It is experienced on many different levels, both physically and visually. This project is about creating a space for the community; a single beautiful image made up of many parts.
Description of Design:
The design is very simple in nature but intends to have a much bigger overall impact through its functionality and purpose there. The design is basically a wooden door mounted in a frame with mirrored glass attached on both sides of the surface of the door. The door will be functional as in any building with the only exception being that the door is intended to be opened from one side only, hence there being one knob in the entry side. The door will be erected on top of a small platform with a ramp leading up to the entry side and exit side of each of the doors. The exit point of the door will lead to the actual railing overlooking the waterfall at Falls Park.
Intent of Design:
The intent of the design is to be functional and allow members of the public to become physically involved with the installation. The idea is that the public will walk up the ramp to the entry point of the door and see themselves reflected in the mirror of the door with one view of Greenville as the backdrop. Hopefully this will create a picture of who they are as it relates to the city and culture of Greenville. Also, it will beg the question of how they fit into the general Greenville scene. Thereafter upon opening the door they will be ushered into a completely different view of Greenville which now has a sound, greater movement and height and depth as created by the falls which will be directly ahead of them. If they again look into the mirror on the opposite side of the door they will have another opportunity to see themselves from a different view with a different backdrop. It would be as if they have moved from one room in Greenville to another, thereby creating an almost 3D spatial experience. Each picture of themselves in the mirror is almost like an illusion of two separate and distinct spaces although the entire Falls Park area is actually one complete landscape. This installation is also intended for people in wheelchairs to participate in the experience as they also are a part of the diversity of Greenville. This installation should be one that all can relate to and become involved in. It would be interesting to ask people about their experience from both view and seeing how they feel about their city and the actual role they play in the development and culture of the Greenville scene.
For centuries, the wind, captured by ancient mariners and Dutch millers, powered trade and the dispersion of culture to all corners of the earth. In microcosm, I propose to harness the wind for similar purpose by designing a wind turbine to turn an elegantly-designed power transmission system and operate an ice cream churn.
In concept, a vertical turbine mounted atop the plaza tower spins in the breeze, transferring power to a series of large gears temporarily mounted to the tower. Differentiated power is then supplied to an ice cream churn freezer, making a local, organic, ice cream for the public. The appealing kinetics of the synchronous turbine and large art-like transmission draw people to its utility and its reward.
A seemingly complex installation, there are only three parts, much of which can be obtained as recycled or reclaimed materials. With the aid of our 4 axis CNC, many other parts can be fabricated and machined for the installation. An iconic and entertaining project such as this demonstrates how existing technology can be combined to invigorate culture and commerce on a local level.
In thinking about this project, we were inspired by watching children and adults discover the Falls Park area. Their playfulness led us to consider creating an installation that would be equally playful, creating an explorative experience for all ages alike.
We chose the two overlooks and set out to connect them conceptually, as the railing design and the shape of them both have quite a different feel. The concept was to bring attention to this area and encourage all park users to make connections between the virtual world and the real world spaces of the Falls Park overlooks. We wanted to infuse something iconic, something that everyone would easily identify with. This led us to consider our own childhood and the pop culture that has brought our society to where it is today.
We are technologically connected, consistently dependent upon personal smart phones or connections to a computer video game or electronic device. We wanted to look at the beginning as we considered what Hi-Tech means. We felt that as an interactive installation Pac-Man was ideal. To people who were alive in the 1980’s, this game was revolutionary, and because of this it has been names as the most played video game in the history of the world. The white dots will connect the two overlooks, while the larger ghost and Pac-Man elements will offer visual anchor points for exploration.
Our installation will capitalize on the imagery of Pac-Man, bringing the video game to life, thus setting up a juxtaposition of the virtual and real worlds. We will utilize the shape of the overlooks in Falls Park to create a larger-than-life Pac-Man trail. This trail will be composed of the white dots that Pac-Man would eat, Ghosts, and, of course, an eight-foot-tall Pac-Man. The Ghosts and Pac-Man will be three dimensional. This combination of elements will create a colorful and timeless game for visitors to explore. Older generations will feel nostalgic, remembering the days as a youth playing Pac-Man on their Atari or at the local Pizza Hut. Younger generations will enjoy the scale and references that are made.
The construction of this project will be durable. We anticipate using painted plywood for the elemental structures and utilizing steel pieces where necessary. We see the circular overlooks as an opportunity to extend the white dots beyond the pedestrian area and temporarily attach them to the underside trusses. In looking at the structures, there is a gap where we could slide a clamping system to secure these elements.
We see this as a “kit of parts” that could be expanded around the city or even re-used in other locations. In this way the “kit” has the ability to connect areas and peoples.
The purpose of this Alteration is to enhance the Main Street benches while calling attention to The City of Greenville’s Recycling initiatives. The 2-liter re-imagined canopy should make an impact in both daytime and nighttime hours. During the day, as the sunlight moves across the sky, it will bounce and reflect off the many 2-liter bottles and by mixing in colored plastic bottles, the colored light should refract onto the sidewalk making an impact with colors and shadows. At night, with the street lamps on, the 2-liter bottles should glow in the night, drawing attention to the Main Street Benches, setting them apart from ordinary benches.
The structure is made from 1” tube steel welded together and painted to have a finished look. The structure will bolt down to the City’s benches using the existing bolts that anchor the benches to the sidewalks. The 2 liter bottles will be laid out in a straight pattern using a mixture of clear plastic bottles and colored plastic bottles.
IDEA 1: Knitted Plastic Falling
Have you ever noticed plastic bags hanging on trees? By their nature, they become airborne easily and end up everywhere. Knitted Plastic Falling is meant to delight and to get us thinking about where our plastic ends up. It is sprawling and reckless. Unlike most plastic debris, though, it won’t be ignored. People must move around it or step over it. Falling interacts with the untitled red, angular sculpture nearby, which seems to dance or kick up its heels. Together, both pieces seem to enjoy their day in the park.
Falling would need to be anchored, but not so much as to stifle movement. Wind may roll it and people may nudge it, causing a position change during the time on display.
IDEA 2: Knitted Plastic Shade
This bench is located on the sidewalk in front of Greenville’s City Hall building. The area around the bench is fairly open, leaving space for a shade-providing feature, such as Knitted Plastic Shade.
Imagine a custom knitted plastic “sock” over the unseen support structure, creating a shaded bench which offers a nice place to sit and people-watch on Main Street. The openings allow the seated person a chance to take a peek in one direction, while the other side provides some privacy. It is cozy. The contemporary design of Shade complements the building style of City Hall. Passers-by will see the structure as they approach, but will be surprised and delighted when they realize it is knitted plastic.
Our collective history is a chronology of victories against tyranny, both proud and shameful, that are worthy of being celebrated and remembered. The Presidential Election of 2008, was a proud victory for the respect, dignity, and economic and social equality for Black Americans. As the first black president, Obama broke the last racial barrier in America and has become a symbol for racial equality.
Obama’s election was not a singularvictory, it was the “mountaintop” of the long struggle for African-American’s civil rights. Slavery, the Jim Crow Laws and the Black Codes racially segregated America and denied Black Americans their civil rights and liberties. Obama’s election was a victory against racial tyranny and the work of the civil rights leaders who climbed “the mountain of despair” to the “promised land”.
Until the late 1960s, blacks in Greenville were subject to racial segregation; while whites had complete access to the city, blacks were marginalized and granted limited access to the city’s amenities. They were restricted to the back of city buses, denied service in restaurants, only allowed to view movies from the balcony of the theater and required to drink from specially labeled water fountains. Especially significant was the restriction of blacks from use of the public library, which partially motivated the activism of, Greenville’s, Jesse Jackson.
On July 16th, 1960, Jesse Jackson and seven others organized a sit in and refused to leave the whites-only Greenville public library. The activist were arrested and sued. Two months later, their sit in led to the integration of Greenville’s public library and blacks were granted access to the city’s library.
Jesse Jackson has, since, become a major civil rights activist in America and has been fighting for racial equality for the past several decades. He believes Obama’s victory shattered the last racial barrier for Black Americans; it “shows that there’s nothing else we can’t be. There’s no university we can’t be seriously considered to lead. There’s no bank we can’t be considered in if we have the right credentials.”
The proposal remembers the obstacles and barriers overcome in the climb for racial equality in America. The project will alter one of the selected sites from an easily accessible streetscape to a streetscape of denial and restricted access. The goal of the project is to create an emotional response in the user; a restrictive device will be temporarily placed on the public benches to deny the user access and restrict his use of city amenities similar to the restrictions of racial segregation.
Cities and landscapes have a complicated and intertwined relationship. The landscape affects the city and the city affects the landscape. They are codependent and rely on each other for their structure and definition. Greenville is a city that exhibits this relationship at its very core.
A study of the growing city from 1884 until 1920 shows that the city is anything but stable physically. The Reedy River, which runs right through downtown – only a couple of blocks from the planned center – shifts, shrinks, and expands during this period of growth.
The design of tracing the shifting REEDY comes from an analysis of the growth and the relationship between city and nature. The project is conceived as a wall that shows the changing outline of the river. The outlines of the river are horizontally layered starting with 1884 at the bottom and leading to 1920 at the top. Vertical supports referencing the streets, which are inherently a part of the river’s changing form, support the horizontal river tracings. The wall is draped in strips of cloth that attempt to reconcile the varying water edge. Just like the falls of the adjacent Falls Park, the cloth mediates the difference in terrain and structure underneath.
This project attempts to create a wall that shows the space that has been created but physically unattainable by the shifting Reedy River. This is a space that not only spans a great distance but also spans a large amount of time. By taking the space and shrinking it to roughly sixteen feet long and eight feet tall, it allows us to look at the effects of the forming of Greenville on its landscape and vice-versa.
This proposal for Alteration 2011 uses space number 2, the pavilion by Spill the Beans. The piece I propose will swoop down from the elevator shaft and rush through the canopied space with great movement and energy, referencing a large flock of birds coursing through at a vibrant pace. It will be composed of several thousand lasercut polyester film birds. The form of the birds is abstracted to mirror the shape and gesture of the canopy. This less literal bird form is necessary to portray the bird in motion and to create a unity between the sculpture and the surrounding architecture. This mass of birds creates an alive and breathing sensation that immediately encapsulates the viewers’ attention. The fluttering of the forms and the motion that is created from the shear mass of birds, and their position – seemingly floating into the canopy – will mimic the effect of a stop motion photograph, an instant of pleasure that can be enjoyed continuously.
The polyester plastic used for the birds has a very reflective surface and will capture and disperse any light or colors that are nearby. It will provide a shimmering element to the natural gardens and waterfall nearby, with the birds being appropriate for this familyfriendly, natural setting. Nighttime viewing will be a very intriguing experience as well, as the cool blue of the lights under the canopy will enhance the slight blue tones of the polyester.
The birds will be strung together with Spiderwire, a multifilament that is durable, lightweight and nearly invisible. These strings will then be attached to clear acrylic frame structures that will be fastened to the Ibeam of the canopy and cantilevered out on both sides. Another frame will be attached to the elevator shaft. The lightweight nature of the material prevents it from either falling or being blown over, as wind will flow easily through the piece. The polyester material is very durable (even against etching from most acids), so rain will not erode or mark it. Installation can be done in one day, as the frames will be assembled and strung with birds in advance, needing only to be lifted into place at the site.
The costs for this project would include laser cutting, frame and stringing materials, and rental of a uhaul and manlift for transportation and installation of frames. In addition, I would use hired labor for stringing and tying the polyester forms onto the frames. The polyester plastic material is provided at no cost by a local company. It would be my pleasure to provide a very new kind of installation experience to downtown Greenville and to be a part of Architecture Month. I certainly enjoyed last year’s events. Thank you for considering my proposal.
To create a sculpture which is iconic of the design elements, shapes, forms and compositions which are evident in notable buildings and structures in the architecture of Greenville. These elements are used in different ways in different times to establish different recognizable styles. The purpose is to create an art form which you can walk around, walk under or through to experience these elements in a different context. Our goal in this exercise is to use Art and Architecture as a teaching experience and challenge the participants to identify the several buildings and spaces which are symbolized.
The materials contemplated are metal, plastic, canvas and wire cabling, along with a stone walkway and a spattering of brick, to create a light and open composition on a native platform.
Night-time illumination is intended.
The Paperdome is a temporary installation of street furniture constructed out of a pattern of 2” and 3” dia. paper tubes and zip ties. The main purpose of the installation is to host 2 cardboard tube “battles” on the weekends during the 2-week installation period during architecture month. The Paperdome will host the Greenville division of the Cardboard Tube Fighting League or CTFL. Anyone is able to participate. Battles cost 1$ each in which you will receive 1 cardboard tube and entrants or “warriors” battle until their tube breaks. The CTFL provides a waiver form for participants to address the issue of liability. Warriors and spectators are encouraged to fabricate recycled paper armor. All proceeds will be donated to the local homeless shelter or charity to be determined.
Once this installation is dismantled the tubes will be downcycled and used as weapons for subsequent CTFL battles in the Spartanburg are which are scheduled to take place over the summer of 2011. These proceeds will also be donated to a charitable cause. Therefore the initial investment in this installation will act as an engine to continue to provide charitable donations throughout the year in addition to the immediate performance of providing fun and entertainment to the general public. Once the tubes are destroyed they can be easily recycled.
The installation is designed such that one side of two tiered seating _ 18” height intervals creates a spectator area which frames the battle stage. The vertical oriented tubes are tied together with zip ties at the top and bottom through holes drilled in the tubes. The other sides of the installation create seating and lounge areas for the general public and will incorporate the use of the existing metal tables in the pavilion area. The tube mass sits on a plywood base on top of wood stud sleepers to address the issue of moisture control. It is possible that wax-coated tubes could be sourced for further moisture resistance. Low voltage LED lighting is integrated into select tubes at the varying levels of the tubes as to create a wash of light along the vertical surfaces all around the form. These lights are on a timer and will transform the space at night as a sculptural piece and will illuminate the existing tensile fabric structure from below.
The cardboard tube fights that have already taken place in Spartanburg are entertaining, kid friendly, a great way to spend some energy, a generator of cash for charitable donations and most of all some really good fun. The Paperdome installation also provides an interesting piece of public sculpture art that has the additional characteristic to perform as a piece of street furniture.
architecture month is designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of the art and craft of architecture within the community of greenville sc in order to encourage an ever higher level of quality in the city's built environment.
