Client: Sheraton Hotels and Resorts

Overview

This original public art work was inspired by Lake Ontario, taking on an abstracted reference to the lake’s overall shape, depth and movement . The placement of scales represent the movement of water and the movement of pedestrians throughout the area. The custom artwork is strategically located above one of North America’s largest underground path system. PATH is a network of underground pedestrian tunnels, elevated walkways, and at-grade walkways connecting the office towers of Downtown Toronto. It connects more than 70 buildings via 30 kilometres of tunnels, walkways, and shopping areas. This movement of people below is will be celebrated in the overall composition of the sculpture and its scales.

The *Untitled Sculpture* consists of approximately 1200 12″ adjustable scales. Each scale hangs on an adjustable hinge and has the ability to pivot to an angle to create the overall composition. The scales are finished in dual colour powder coated steel and have been strategically angled to capture ‘movement’ in a static object.

Goals

We approached this project with the intent of creating a public art piece that evokes movement and energy while being stationary - one that captures the hustle and bustle of Downtown Toronto and its citizens. The geographic location of the piece speaks to this movement as it is strategically placed above one of the biggest underground path systems in North America. The piece is located in the Porte Cochere area of the newely renovated Sheraton Centre Hotel, Toronto and will greet guests as they enter and exit the hotel. Our goal is to create a public artwork that will become synonymous with the property and a must see destination for tourists and locals alike. Using the shape of Lake Ontario as a starting point, we have designed a sculpture with adjustable scales that will be angled strategically to create movement and visual interest as viewers move beneath it while being easy to maintain overtime. Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is surrounded on the north, west, and southwest by the province of Ontario, and on the south and east by the U.S. state of New York, whose water boundaries meet in the middle of the lake.

Process

Our team researched the overall shape and depth of Lake Ontario and used these metric as inspiration for the overall shape of the work. The viewer will get to experience the vastness of this important body of water and feel the movement of its currents with the strategic placement of scales.

In order to install sculpture each rib structure was fabricated in 2 and 3 part sections that will connect with a bolt and lock nut system. This allows for safety and spacial options in transport and installation. Each scale hangs on an adjustable hinge and can be angled to create an overall composition.

Additional Information

Finishings: Dual Coloured Scales (Automotive Silver with Powder Blue) and Automotive Silver for Ribbing Approximate Dimensions: Length: 10560mm Width: 5560 mm Height: 1300 mm Weight: 3900-4400 lbs