LEFT Nashua Street Park | Granite helix by Halvorson Design in collaboration with David Phillips and Jonathan Bonner artist Howard Ben Tré , who crafted the material accents using cast glass and bronze . Surrounded by granite seat walls , the striking , circular fountain draws visitors to the center of the park , while the landscape of ornamental grasses , shrubs and trees provides shade and a sense of refuge from the urban bustle .
The strategy for art placement at Nashua Street Park is similar to the aforementioned park — the sculptural installation is a central feature of the waterfront park — yet it begins to embrace the notion of artwork that is also functionally integrated with the landscape . The design for the helical granite mist sculpture emerged from conversations with the artists , who suggested a spiral feature at the heart of the site . Halvorson Design advanced the idea to create a stepped granite ascent that allows visitors to walk along the spiral and rest at the top for an elevated view . Artist Jonathon Bonner contributed the stone “ droplets ” surrounding the fountain that disperse into the surrounding plaza .
Integration of Art and Landscape
Designing the landscape in parallel with the art , Halvorson Design envisioned Iron Street Park in South Boston as an “ urban living room ” that forms a cultural anchor for the site and celebrates the contributions of local artists . At the heart of the space is the center table , a monumental concrete slab inlaid with interpretive mosaic tile work by Lisa Houck that evokes the rich architectural heritage of the neighborhood and its relationship to water . Intimate seating areas defined by concrete benches include sandblasted maps and narratives , by graphic designer MB Flanders . These elements represent artistic expressions as well as functional features , providing places to gather and sit while embracing the legacy of Boston ’ s Fort Point Channel .
At Halvorson Design ’ s South Boston Maritime Park , sculptural and interpretive elements are integrated with every aspect of the park , from the entrances and stairs to walls and seating areas . Artist Carlos Dorrien ’ s contributions to the park include The Gateway , a striking composition of carved , wavetextured stones that frame the entry to the park , and an intricately crafted granite bench with a dappled surface reminiscent of fishermen ’ s nets . Additional art installations include Ellen Driscoll ’ s Aqueous Humour , a series of kinetic sculptures referencing historic maritime navigation , as well as interpretive inscriptions along steps and paving stones throughout the site . The confluence of these artistic collaborations creates a vibrant park that weaves artistic expression into the fabric of the landscape .
Art in Play
Perched along the granite wall at Halvorson Design ’ s Esplanade Playspace in Boston , the bronze sculpture It ’ s Turtles All the Way Down by artist David Phillips is subtly placed so that it becomes part of the fabric of the playspace . The occasional discovery of the work offers an element of surprise and delight to the visitors of the playground . A sculptural structure of black locust logs by artist and furniture designer Mitch Ryerson attracts children to its bold , carved limbs with artfully placed notches that serve as footholds for young climbers . The works of art are integral to the character of the landscape , working in tandem with the landscape design to create a stimulating environment that encourages interaction and play .
Similarly transformative is the mosaic mural A Friendly Flock Touches Down by artist Lisa Houck at Frieda Garcia Park in Boston ’ s South End . The artwork embraces the role of children in shaping their own creative expression and is inspired by the prints , drawings and collages of neighborhood youth . Halvorson Design worked with Houck early in the design process ; the material qualities of the landscape , from custom play furnishings to brightly colored walls , complement the artistic installation . Once a neglected street corner , the site has become a vibrant gathering space for the community that engages both children and adults .
Boston Society of Landscape Architects Fieldbook
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