Client: TriMet and Portland Development Commission

Overview

A Public Art project located at Mt. Hood Ave. MAX light rail station on Tri-Met's Airport (PDX) Red Line – Portland, OR – 15’h x 13’w x 8’d – Aluminum and Stainless Steel- 2011

Goals

This sculptural paean located at Portland International Airport is composed of brushed aluminum and stainless steel. Part aeronautic wing, part voluminous cloud, "Cloud CAVU"* is formed around the experience of arriving and departing by plane through Portland's cloud-filled winter sky. Riding light rail to and from the airport one passes the sculpture with its allusion to take-off and descent, touching down with a cluster of tilted, stainless steel rain-columns. The smooth metallic belly echoes the shape of a polished upturned wing or fish belly and an opening provides a glimpse of luminous blue beyond. The top and sides are matte, brushed, bolted patterns of turbulence, wind shear and laminar flow.

*c.a.v.u. is an aviation term meaning: ceiling and visibility unlimited

Process

Cloud CAVU is the result of a collaborative design process involving both private and public organizations. Including; surrounding private businesses, the Portland Development Commission, TriMet public transit, the Port of Portland and the Federal Aviation Administration.