Client: Army Corps of Engineers

Overview

Mark Transportation Center was the first and only project to date for the Army Corp of Engineers, as part of the Base Realignment Program for the Pentagon. This 180 x 3.5 linear foot mosaic fits neatly within the existing format of the HGA design. Fabricated and installed by Mayer of Munich of glass smalti and stone from around the world this piece will endure with little to no maintenance in this partially protected, highly trafficked environment.

Goals

The architectural guidelines led directly to the solution for this public art competition commission. Focusing attention on the transportation functions of the garage site there were numerous approaches to find the perfect imagery. Considerations included wings, boats, aerial views of our squiggling highways. The search for a shared element within this transportation hub; bus, auto and pedestrian modes led to the unifying concept of sound, in particular the ‘Doppler Shift’. The way sound changes as moving objects pass by. This is represented in a lyrical sine curve which creates the patterns interpreted in this form. The garages elongated facade provided the perfect linear canvas for this 180 LF permanent installation.

Process

The artist competed for this project by presenting to a committee comprised of design professionals, government representatives, including the civilian leader of the Army Corps of engineers and community representatives. Refined in collaboration with other graphic professionals and working hand in hand with the highly skilled mosaic craftsmen of Mayer of Munich to realize the unique, intricate and meaningful interpretation of line and flow.