Client: One South

Overview

“Wall Wave” is a 19’ x 7.5’ x 4’ foot twisting stainless steel wave form at the entrance to the One South mixed use condominium and business development. It gives the building a signature ocean theme that celebrates Redondo Beach as a Coastal community. The wave rolls up the building wall, leading people to the public plaza stairway. The mezzanine level plaza ends with “Blending Eddy” a 16’ x 16’ x 4’ swirling action form.

Goals

The ocean, more than anywhere else, captures the idea of flux--the tides, shimmering light, waves breaking across sand that was once stone. The two stainless steel sculptures celebrate Redondo Beach as a place which embodies this sense of change, connection and energy. As the first developer based project to work within the City of Redondo Beach’s public art program, it was important the project have a street level presence as a drive by/ walk by public art experience. The sculptures have an energy and emotional movement that says active lifestyles and peaceful reflection are central to a quality lifestyle. Intricately crafted, elegant, and durable. Theses sculptures express the energy, movement, and natural beauty of Redondo Beach and the One South community.

Process

The project developer Nick Buchanan, worked with Art consultant Gail Goldman, to identify Stutz as the artist. Stutz developed a variety of designs until a final approach was established incorporating the neutral glow of stainless steel and the organic warmth of natural wood. Stutz’s maquettes were created in cardboard, then scanned and computer modeled by Pardell Studios. Water-jet cutting and sculpture fabrication were done at Latest Concepts. Because the sculptures are in very close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, they were fabricated from #316L alloy Stainless Steel, finished with glass bead blasting using virgin media, and then passivated. This insured the sculptures wont rust in the corrosive salt air of the marine environment. The installation was done in multiple stages- first affixing structural framing to the building, then wood planking was placed over the framing. Finally the sculptures were lifted into place and secured with bolted attachments.

Additional Information

During the two plus years that the One South Development was being built, many dynamics arose amongst the owners, general contractor, sub contractors, and the city. This is common with any large scale project, especially during exceptionally busy times. Despite the best made plans, the art was often not a primary concern within the project schedule. It was important for Stutz to remain persistent, neutral, patient, flexible, and focused. An artist who can roll with the punches and maintain a sense of humor is an asset for any client.