This project is a proposal for Scottsdale, AZ.
Concept: Crystal Palms
The Crystal Palm structures on the terrace are ‘cubist’ transformations of a palm grove. The curves of the palm fronds with their cylindrical trunks have been ‘shattered’ into flat planes that are reconfigured to create an environmental sculptural experience that is a hybrid between urban structures and the natural desert environment. The different patterns, colored projections and shadows surround the viewer so the work is bathed in the color and walks through a transformed space.
I selected this second story terrace of the Maya Hotel as a potential site for artwork because it will be an outdoor gathering place where tall natural shade trees are not possible. The Crystal Palm sculptures provide shade while projecting onto the surface rich shadows and colors that change throughout the day and can be illuminated at night. A misting system to cool the area beneath the palm sculptures could be installed on the ‘branches’ if that would be of interest. This ‘grove’ of Crystal Palms is visible from the street and from surrounding buildings that look down on it making it an art destination drawing visitors to the hotel and the surrounding community.
If this site doesn’t fulfill the city’s requirement for public art, this grove of palm sculptures could be located elsewhere such as a pedestrian walkway. They can be reconfigured to fit different sites.
