Fire Station #5 Public Art
The City of Evanston has two finalists for the Fire Station #5 Public Art Project, located at 2830 Central Street in Evanston.
Background
In 2007, the City of Evanston will replace the existing Fire Station #5 with a new, state-of-the-art two-story structure. Building materials were selected to blend in with existing buildings on Central Street, primarily red brick, terra cotta tile, and glass. This new construction will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, meeting consensus-based national standards for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Green aspects of the building include a wall for vines and storm water collection and reuse for washing trucks.
The site of the new building has a limited setback area from the street, which will impact the type of project that may be appropriate for the site.
Radiance
by Gail Simpson, Actual Size Artwoks, Stoughton, Wisconsin
Materials: Architectural Art Glass
This proposal is to replace the panes of glass above the three fire truck bays with digitally printed art glass. The image in the glass is a radiant sky with a translucent flock of birds flying overhead. The environmental concern demonstrated by the construction of this building motivated this project, as did the uplifting and inspiring public service of the fire station employees. Lifting one's eyes to the sky is a contemplative act, one that reminds us of our place in the world even in a time of crisis. The birds are meant to suggest movement and the passage of time. During the day the building will always present a calm demeanor no matter what the weather, and at night the image of a beautiful day will glow like a beacon.
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Emitting Waves
by Robert Smart, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Materials: Glass and acrylic LED panels
As an essential element known to all forms of life, water, when used respectfully, helps maintain a balance between the earth, wind, and fire. A series of glass and cell-cast acrylic panels will be carved with images depicting the flow of water. Viewed from both the interior and exterior of the building, the images will appear to "float" as they will be lit internally by low-voltage, computer programmable, light-emitting diodes. Providing light refraction and focused edge-illumination, subtle transitions in light within each panel will create "breathing" movement, emulating the flow of water. |
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