Soundwave Art Park
Concept
The concept for this public sculpture started with the idea to contrast the traffic noise coming from the Main Street connecting the two neighbors Greenway and Fort Dupont into a vibrant and engaging area for the community. It is comprised of four elements: a landmark sculpture, a seating system, an interactive play area, and open green space. The project prioritized community needs, accessibility, safety, and low maintenance.
The landmark sculpture functions as a visual screen, mitigating the noise pollution from Minnesota Avenue, while also serving as a symbol for the community. The design of the landmark was inspired by a soundwave from Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train" and is fabricated with laser-cut steel. The sculpture features the words "Greenway" and "Fort Dupont" and is painted with a gradient of yellow, blue, red, and green. This colorful design, along with the choice to use Ellington's music, celebrates the rich artistic legacy of Washington, D.C. and honors the community's desire for a visually appealing public space.
Fabrication
The seating system will echo the design of the landmark sculpture and provide comfortable seating for over 15 people. The seating system is fabricated from flat bars welded to curved vertical posts, which is painted with the same gradient of colors as the landmark sculpture.
The interactive play area is designed to encourage social interaction and play for users of all ages. It features a central game station with rotating panels that can be used to play various games, including hopscotch, a game similar to Twister called "Team Tangle," "Mirror Me," which is similar to Dance Dance Revolution, and "Pattern Path," which is similar to Candyland. The games are designed to occupy users for 10-30 minutes and are suitable for small and large groups. The surface of the play area is painted concrete and features designs for the games. The game station has instructions and graphics to assist users in playing the games. The play area is designed to meet ADA accessibility requirements.
Feature 3
Open Green Space and Sustainability
The project prioritizes sustainability and was designed with low maintenance in mind. The open green space allows water absorption. All of the materials used in the project, such as painted steel and concrete, are durable and appropriate for outdoor use. The concrete is painted with anti-slip and high foot traffic paint. In addition to the durable materials, the project team will also provide a maintenance plan to ensure the longevity of the project. The maintenance plan includes monthly inspections by trained personnel to check for any damage or wear.
Safety
The project also prioritizes safety. The sculptural railing is a visual element, meaning it is not require any physical interaction from people. The seating system is designed to be similar in size to a metal bench to reduce the risk of falling. The interactive area is low to the ground, meaning that a soft surface is not required.
Project Team
The project team consists of a professional artist and educator and an architect and playground designer. Both team members have a proven track record of completing public works projects on time and within budget.