BSLA Fieldbook Archive | Page 82

The residents expressed the need for a safe , wellmaintained open space that would fully engage the minds , bodies , and souls of adult and elder residents . A place that would express the uniqueness of their community through creative placemaking . With these needs in mind , the Friends issued a call for an artist . They sought someone who would “ create a sense of place that speaks to the culturally rich neighborhood .” The community group and the Boston Arts Commission requested that the winning artist or team expect to develop the artwork in collaboration with the landscape architect in order to ensure that the art be thoughtfully integrated into the site design .
Jacob notes , “ It is a benefit for those who plan a park to begin working with the selected artist early on . The landscape architect and I identified design elements from his initial concept drawings , working back and forth to utilize staff lines , music notes , and other things that carry over between park elements and sculptural gestures .”
“ Theme is exceptionally important in sculpture ,” Jacob continues . “ You have to reiterate the thesis so that when the sculpture is in place , people get it . The delicate part in the mission with Symphony Park is that it is very literal . We know what we think when we hear the word ‘ symphony .’ How do we make it modern ?” In this case this was accomplished through dialogue with the landscape architect and the Art Commission , who had already filtered much community and broader input .
Placement is important in public art and , in fact , it was the first decision the group tackled . “ The sculpture cannot overpower the space ,” Jacob asserts . Metal and stone materials were chosen in relation to the surrounding buildings , trees , and hardscape . Jacob wanted to have everything working together and always be able to reference a strong foundation for every design decision .
Artist : Jacob Kulin
Finding a suitable , local artist would enable the Friends to be able to apply for both local and regional funding . With initial visioning funding from the Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund and guidance from the Boston Art Commission , the Friends selected Jacob Kulin . Jacob ’ s centerpiece sculpture is in fabrication . Reflecting on the planning process that led up to the present moment , Jacob recalls enjoying the process of learning about the park space in order to fully understand and predict the visual and physical impact of the design .
Ultimately , the sculpture will be made of four materials : Core-ten steel , granite , bronze , and highly polished stainless steel . “ Every material I am using has a certain job ,” he reflects , “ working to fit the composition .” As seen in the final models of the sculpture , he has borrowed some of the arcs in the park first designed for the curved walkway and walls . Then Jon and Jacob decided to make the horizontal lines of the park hit the sculpture from different viewpoints . Meanwhile , the softness of the existing trees contrast with the hard lines of the sculpture .
As Jacob faces the structural challenges of final fabrication and installation , he looks forward to allowing the design to evolve while staying true to the approved models . Working within
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