Client: San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina

Overview

Kelp, is an immersive pathway of undulating aluminum strips that compress and expand to direct circulation and views toward the waterfront

Goals

Located on a new plaza and pathway that connect the busy thoroughfare Harbor Drive to the waterfront, the installation directs pedestrians toward a framed view of the bay. Along an otherwise blank wall, a faux brise soleil of sculptural metal strips transform from vertical sculpture into paving strips and finally into landscape elements. Drought resistant plants gather along the path, forming a lush sea bed.

The installation presents an active experience, allowing visitors to rediscover the piece from various viewpoints, with aluminum faces and painted undersides that wash the party wall in an animated dance of hues. At night, the installation illuminates to guide visitors and encourage safety.

Process

After Architecture collaborated with architects, landscape architects, lighting designers, and fabricators on the placement and realization of the project.