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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-03-2006 Public Art Advisory Committee Agenda Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:30PM Lobby Conference Room A. Call to order B. Public discussion of any item not on the agenda C. Consideration of the minutes of the July 6, 2006 meeting D. Consideration of a call for artists for the Grand Avenue Roundabout project. E. Discussion of request by artist to acquire Love is Strange. F. Discussion of dedications for Just for Kicks, Birds in Flight, and the Wetherby shelter. G. Report on America for the Arts pre-conference--Klingaman H. Committee time/updates I. Adjournment MINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE THURSDAY, JULY 6,2006,3:30 P.M. LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL PRELIMINARY Members Present: Charles Felling, Rick Fosse, Emily Martin, Mark Seabold, DeLayne Williamson Members Absent: Emily Carter-Walsh, Terry Trueblood Staff Present: Karin Franklin, Brian Boelk Call to Order Seabold called the meeting to order. Public discussion of any item not on the aQenda In response to a question from Seabold, Franklin reported she and Klingaman attended the Iowa Public Art Network meeting in Waterloo/Cedar Falls and learned about the public art programs there, which have a close affiliation with University of Northern Iowa. Some faculty members are very active in the programs in terms of their own participation, as well as encouraging student participation. The production and business of art is very much a part of UNl's curriculum as well. They had a panel of artists, three of whom were students, and the students spoke confidently about their work, including commissioned work they had already done while still undergraduates. Franklin said the programs are also strongly supported by the cities. The Waterloo program is located in something like a cultural center, which includes a museum, performing arts, and visual arts. There is also a lot of collaborative work to bring private money into the programs. She added this was all very interesting in light of efforts to encourage more participation from UI, though the focus of the art programs at UI and UNI are very different. It was suggested at the meeting that the program at UI emphasizes the creative process more than the aspects of making the pieces and getting commissions. Martin agreed the UI art programs do not discuss the business end of art. Franklin said she heard a UI course was under development in the Pappajohn building that would discuss the business end of art. Martin said artists end up having to learn about that aspect without having any sort of background or introductory discussion. Franklin said in her experience, artists who are knowledgeable and work the business end of things well are much easier to work with. Franklin said Klingaman also attended the America for the Arts pre-conference in Milwaukee in June, and will report on that at a later meeting. Seabold said he wrote a short piece about the Iowa City program, parts of which were included on an editorial page in the Des Moines Register the week before that discussed public art in Iowa in general. The Register piece mostly highlighted ISU's program, saying they had the largest collection in terms of artwork both on campus and beyond. Franklin questioned that noting the UI has an outstanding collection just in the hospital. Seabold said his contact at the Register said she would coach him on turning a press release or news story into an editorial that could be published at a later date. Consideration of the Minutes of the June 1. 2006 Meetina Minutes Martin noted some errors in spelling and attribution in the minutes. MOTION: Fosse moved to accept the minutes as amended. Martin seconded, and the motion passed on a unanimous vote by those present. Consideration of a call for artists for the Grand Avenue Roundabout Proiect Fosse introduced Boelk, who is a senior engineer who has been doing the design on the project, so will be able to answer more detailed questions on the project. Franklin suggested going through the draft of the Call and discussing some specific points. The first thing to consider is what sort of piece the committee is looking for. The proposal currently asks for an artistic Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes July 6, 2006 Page 2 element, without specifying a particular type, such as a sculpture. However, if the committee wants a sculpture, this could be changed. Franklin said it could also be softscape, such as landscaping, as well as hardscape. The committee needs to decide whether they would like to have someone who designs the whole area or just a specific part of it. Franklin noted on the illustration page that the entire circle is 51 feet in diameter, but the piece the artist would be dealing with is 31 feet in diameter. There is a 10-foot apron around the outside, which is mountable so trucks can bump up against it without doing any harm. There will also be a curb between the interior circle and the apron. The apron will be grey, stamped concrete similar to the medians in South Grand Avenue. Franklin continued by saying the committee could ask someone to do design for the entire area, though the cost will increase if elements are included beyond a sculpture. When the budget is decided, that will also be an indicator to the artist how much can be done with the space. Fosse noted there is a steam tunnel that goes under the area, so it would be helpful to have the art "plopable", to allow it to be moved for occasional steam tunnel maintenance, if necessary. That does not preclude landscaping, but other permanent elements will be more expensive to remove and replace. Franklin said the current plan is for the project to be funded jointly by the city and the University, though that has not been confirmed yet. That would include only the roundabout part. She said she consulted with University personnel about whether there was an obligation to put a percentage into art for the nearby parking ramp. There is not, so there is no money readily available at this time from the University to help with the art aspect of the project. However, she expects they would like to have a role in deciding what goes into the art project. The University still believes this one-way system is temporary, and that there will be a two-way road that goes past the Athletic Learning Center, which is the new building on the north side of Melrose east of the new parking lot. Franklin said there has been debate in the community whether Melrose would cut a diagonal path to Burlington. There was a joint city-University-community planning project that eventually settled on the current solution of having one-way traffic flow around the area on Melrose, with another lane against the flow on Grand Avenue that gives access to the emergency services. The roundabout is being put in to better manage the traffic flow in that contra-lane. The University's position has historically been that traffic should run diagonally through the area, which is not something the city has supported. It is an ongoing discussion. She added the ongoing discussion is pertinent to Fosse's statement about movability in the piece, because having something in the middle of the roundabout might imply permanence. Given that the University will be involved in some manner with the art aspect of the project, it would be helpful to pursue something that could be moved. Martin asked whether the call should specify a sculpture. Franklin said if that is what the committee would like to pursue, that could be specified. Martin said a sculpture would be something potentially moveable, and is easily described. Franklin asked if there was consensus on asking for a sculpture. The committee members present agreed. Fosse suggested not limiting the call to a single sculpture, since the area is fairly large. He added that ideally the artists would work in a 28-foot diameter area, to allow for the curb and signage. Williamson asked whether the object should be stationary, so it is not distracting for traffic. Fosse agreed that specifying the piece is not kinetic would be preferable. Martin asked about having something that blocks line of sight across the roundabout. Fosse said he has heard that is a good thing to look for. Franklin asked for confirmation that the roundabout will be constructed in 2007. Boelk said yes. Franklin said asking for submissions by October would mean Council would not approve anything until November, giving six months for fabrication. That would allow placement by July 2007. She asked if that would be a reasonable time to suggest, or too soon. Fosse said it would be too soon, because the roundabout construction likely would begin in summer after graduation, so August completion would be more likely. Boelk said it would need to be installed before construction is complete, because access in the area would be crowded after the roundabout is complete. Fosse suggested having the piece be available for installation in July. Franklin suggested July 15. She asked whether October submissions would give enough time for fabrication. The committee members Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes July 6, 2006 Page 3 agreed that was enough time. Franklin said she would change the call to specify sculptures. Boelk asked if any other landscaping would be included. Franklin said no, the artist would likely be responsible solely for the sculpture. The city would have to do any necessary landscaping, which will probably playoff of the installed piece. It could even be cobbles or some other hard surface. Franklin said one of the purposes of the project is to draw attention to the roundabout. One of the reasons for the visual blockage is so the driver is focused on staying in one lane and is not distracted by other cars entering and exiting the flow. Something either broad or a group of items are likely to be needed to accomplish those goals, but those specifications have not been written into the call yet. She asked whether that should be included. Fosse said yes. Franklin asked whether the committee would like to specify that the piece should not encourage pedestrian traffic near it. Martin agreed that should be spelled out. Fosse said the wording often used is the piece should not be inviting to pedestrians. Franklin asked whether the additional attachments regarding illumination and landscaping should be included. The points made in the landscaping attachment are to make it more conspicuous and attractive. She noted some of the guidelines are more specifically for the splitter islands, however. Fosse said there are two aspects of lighting, both for lighting the intersection and light as a component of the art. Light can be incorporated into the art as long as it does not cause glare in drivers' eyes. Even surface lights would need to be shielded to direct the light only at the piece and away from drivers' eyes. Seabold said illumination could also be a part of the art, however. Fosse suggested stating any illumination elements should avoid glare in drivers' eyes. Franklin asked if the illumination attachments would be confusing and therefore should not be included with the call packet. The statement about illumination would be included in the call itself. Fosse agreed, since the attachment focuses more on illumination of the intersection, which is independent from the art. He added that, in terms of illumination, water elements such as a fountain should not be an option in the piece. Franklin asked whether the statement about incorporating directional cues was understandable. Seabold and Martin said yes. Seabold asked about what kinds of directional guides should be incorporated. Fosse said that is under investigation in terms of reflectivity standards. Franklin said she did not think the one in Coralville had directional markers in the middle[ed. Coralville's roundabout does have signs at the lane entries as well as chevrons incorporated into the wall]. Boelk said he thinks that intersection relies on lighting and the chevrons in the limestone blocks. Franklin asked what the plan is for illumination in the Grand Avenue intersection. Boelk said the University is proposing to take out the existing lights and put in new shoebox type lighting angled to the corners to help illuminate the intersection. Fosse said it would be good to remove the current Queen Ann lights from the area, because they do cause glare. Franklin asked whether the intersection would have adequate lighting. Fosse said it is too early to say. Franklin asked how much and at what point the committee would like to involve the University and the neighborhood in the discussion. The University should be involved as a matter of courtesy, and the neighborhood has expressed concerns about this project. Involving the neighborhood in the project would be one way to engage them. Felling said there could be some friction between the University and the neighborhood. Franklin noted that having the different groups meet and be involved in the process could be a positive thing. Martin agreed involving the neighborhood early on might avoid some friction later on. Williamson said having representatives at the meeting to see why things are being done might help the process. Franklin said what has been done in the past is to have the different groups contribute during the selection phase after the proposals are received. Either there could be a second, separate committee, or just include additional people in the meeting when the Public Art committee reviews the proposals. That can be decided later, however. The call will simply state that the University will be represented in the selection process. Franklin said the last three bullets are included in all calls. However, if the call specifies the piece needs to be ready to install by July 15, but the project is not ready and installation is delayed, that would make it difficult to have the artist be responsible for installation. Fosse said ideally the artist would be available at Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes July 6, 2006 Page 4 the time of installation, but otherwise installation instructions could be requested. Franklin said even if the artist is present for installation, the city crews are the ones who actually do the work. Fosse said that would be fine. Fosse suggested adding "vandal resistant" to the bullet point about durable materials. Franklin noted that, and asked if there was anything else that should be added. She said she has noted the point about the piece not being kinetic. Boelk said another involved party would be UIHC. Franklin agreed they do consider themselves somewhat separate from the University. Franklin said the amount available right now in the public art budget is $70,675.00. There are project installations that the committee is committed to that will reduce that. Birds in Flight will be installed July 13. Wetherby is moving along, and Melrose is moving also, though slowly. It is possible the Melrose money will not be spent until spring 2007. Even if another neighborhood begins planning a project, they probably would not spend any money until next fiscal year. Fosse said $35K would likely not be enough to build something on the scale and quality the committee would like. Seabold agreed. Franklin asked what the total cost of the roundabout project would be. Boelk said he does not have the current information on hand. Franklin suggested planning for one percent of the project. Fosse said that would be about $35-40K. Franklin said $35K would get something on the scale of the pieces in the pedestrian mall. Fosse said this piece will have a lot of mass, which will raise the price. Franklin asked if $50-75K would be reasonable. Seabold said yes. Franklin suggested not specifying an amount in the call, to see what artists propose and then plan on fundraising if there is a desireable but costly piece submitted. Martin agreed that would make sense for this particular project. Williamson said this might encourage people to submit projects who would not submit for a lower amount. Franklin said she would change the phrasing for the budget in the call. Seabold suggested making some statement indicating a significant budget is possible. Franklin reviewed the rest of the call information. Seabold suggesting spelling out PCC. Fosse said if the artist has a different stamp pattern for the apron, using it is fine as long as it is a standard stamp. He said it is important that it is mountable, but also visually distinct from the roadway. Franklin said the design considerations usually address what the committee is looking for in terms of the aesthetic. Fosse said there should be a directional traffic control component. Franklin asked if there is a theme or particular element the group would like, or if it will be left up to the artist. Seabold said the directional component gives an interesting constraint already. Fosse suggested saying it should work in the context of the University, that is, among institutional buildings. Williamson suggested something that ties the city, University, and hospital together. She added that she prefers leaving the options open in this area. Franklin said submission materials are standard. Fosse asked whether the committee is looking for currently available works, or concepts. Franklin said that should be changed to concepts, and that it will ask for electronic submissions. She asked for any additional feedback to be emailed to her prior to the August meeting. Fosse noted UI is working on a new landscaping plan for the entrance of the Field House. Boelk said he would keep in contact with them about that. Committee time/Updates/Other business Birds in Flight Seabold said it would be installed on July 14. There will be seven birds instead of five. Fosse said the ground around the poles will look rugged for a while after installation, but in a few months things will look as the committee envisioned with the poles rising out of tall grass. Distribution of Glimpse Seabold displayed materials for the committee. Franklin asked if Klingaman contacted him about printing. Seabold said yes, that probably at the end of July there would be a run of color maps printed. He has some ideas on where to put some of them. Martin suggested the public library, Iowa Memorial Union, UI Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes July 6, 2006 Page 5 library, and the Chamber of Commerce as additional placement options. Williamson suggested hotels as well. Franklin said the plan is to also put the map on the web. Seabold said it is already online. Franklin asked if it is readable on letter-sized paper. Seabold said it is, though it is designed to be printed on ledger-sized paper. Martin suggested adding a note on the webpage of where to get a hardcopy map if the small map is not readable. Other publicity No discussion. Adiournment There being no further business to come before the committee, Williamson moved to adjourn. Fosse seconded and the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m. s:lpcdlminules/PublicArt/2006l07 -Q6-06.doc ~ ~ ..... ..... ..... 5 5"C o """ U ~ t>~ o~\C ~,,= ..... - = >==N "C = <] ..... ~ """..... <..... ~< ..... - .Q = ~ \0 ~ >< >< >< >< >< ~ - ["--.. 0 0 ...... >< >< >< ~ >< >< >< - \0 0 \0 >< >< >< >< >< >< >< - -.:::t ~ ~ >< >< >< >< ~ >< M 0 0 ~ >< >< >< ~ >< >< >< N 0 If') ~ 0 >< >< >< >< >< >< - ...... lZl 00 0'1 0'1 00 ["--.. e .~ 0 0 0 0 0 - - - - - ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... (1.) ~ S2 S2 0 S2 0 - - E--~ ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... 0 0 0 0 0 -= == 0 ~ ~ - 5 = "C ~ ~ = 0 ..... "C 0 - == """ - - ..... ~ - .Q ~ - ..... 0 - 1: ~ ..... ~ .Q ~ """ ~ = = rIl = = ~ ~ ~ ~ """ U ~ ~ 00 0 ~ .a ~ .a ~ ~ (1.) - ~ """ = ~ ~ ..... = ~ ..... """ 5 -= = 5 = ~ ~ ~ ..... Z ~ U ~ ~ ~ ~ "'0 (1.) lZl ;:j Co) ~ ~~~ (1.) (1.) d lZl lZl (1.) Q).D lZl 1-o.A4.D ~.........< II II II ~ ~ ~><oo I . The Public Art Program of the City of Iowa City was established in September 1997. The intention of the Public Art Program is to enhance public spaces, promote Iowa City as a cultural center, and build Iowa City's image as a vital place to live and work. This will be accomplished by the integration and placement of art in public projects and places. The Public Art Program is supported by an allocation of $50,000 of public funds per fiscal year. A Public Art Advisory Committee has been appointed to assist in the development and management of this program. The mission of the Public Art Advisory Committee, as stewards of the City of Iowa City, is to enhance the appearance of the city through the selection and integration of art in a public environment. 2006 Membership: Charles Felling Rick Fosse DaLayne Williamson Emily Martin Mark Seabold Terry Trueblood Emily Carter Walsh Call to Artists Weatherdance (detail of plaza paving) by Myklebust-Sears, 1999 Call To Artists The Public Art Advisory Committee of the City of Iowa City is inviting proposals for a sculpture or sculptures for the center of a roundabout at the intersection of Grand Avenue and South Grand Avenue in Iowa City. The roundabout will be constructed in 2007. It sits at the top of a hill framed by University of Iowa dormatories and the University Field House which is a recreation center. Views from the hill are of the Iowa River and the Burlington Street bridge, an entrance to downtown Iowa City. SUBMITTALS ARE REQUESTED BY OCTOBER 1, 2006. Project Parameters . The outcome of this project should be a sculpture or sculptures that call attention to the presence of the roundabout but do not encourage pedestrian access to the roundabout. Therefore, small details inviting close scrutiny should be avoided. . Proposal should follow the guidance of the U. S. DOT/FHWA Traffic Design and Landscaping-Roundabouts, Section 7.5 attached. . To the extent possible, the sculpture or sculptures should incorporate visual directional cues (eg. chevrons) reflecting the direction of traffic flow desired. . Illumination, if proposed, should be shielded or downcast to avoid glare to motorists. . Kinetic sculptures and water sculptures will not be accepted. . Artist must be able to collaborate with the City's engineering design consultant, City staff, University of Iowa representatives and neighborhood representatives. . Artist must be able to coordinate the delivery and installation of the artistic element with City staff. . Materials and design must be durable and vandal resistant. The resulting project will be subject to Iowa weather conditions. . Maintenance methods must be developed and documented and provided to the City for future reference. Project Budget All artists must submit a budge which should include acquisition of the sculpture(s); food, lodging and transportation for the artist; materials; shipping if necessary; installation and any subcontracting. Total budget for the project will be determined by the quality of the proposal. A meritorious and desireable proposal may require fundraising by the City if the total cost of the project exceeds funds available. Project Timeline Work should be available for installation no later than July 15, 2007. Selection Process Submitted materials will be reviewed by the Public Art Advisory Committee in collaboration with representatives of the Melrose Neighborhood Association, the University of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. A recommendation of a selected artist will be made to the City Council. Final selection of the artist is made by the City Council. Deadline for Receipt of Materials: Friday, October 1, 2006 by 5:00 P.M. I Iowa City Public Art Program Project Opportunity Background and Site Description The City of Iowa City has begun design of a roundabout at the point at which a downtown arterial, Burlington Street/Grand Avenue, becomes a local street, South Grand Avenue, within the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) campus. The street system is part of a one-way loop with a contra-lane providing access to the UIHC emergency services. A roundabout is being installed to better manage the traffic flow. It is the desire of the City to enhance this roundabout with a sculpture or sculptures that will call attention to the roundabout but will not encourage pedestrian access or travel through the roundabout. The roundabout is 51 feet in diameter with a 28-foot diameter center within which the sculpture would be sited. Encompassing the center is a 10 foot mountable apron of grey stamped Portland cementitous concrete. This apron will match the existing medians on South Grand Avenue. A curb will define the center within the apron. As shown on the illustration attached, there will be a limestone retaining wall to the west of the roundabout along one of the street curblines; a band similar to the 10 foot apron will be in front of the retaining wall. Design Considerations/Project Goals . To add to the visual appeal of the area. . To provide visual cues to the directional flow of the roundabout traffic. . To obstruct the view of motorists across the roundabout, thereby focusing their attention on the flow of traffic. . To call attention to the presence of the roundabout. . To provide an artistic element that requires minimal maintenance and is vandal proof. Submission Materials A. Artists should submit twelve (12) collated sets of printed submission materials, organized in the specific order as described below. 1. A letter of interest (one page maximum) including any background information that would support the artist's qualifications for this project. Include public art experience with budget size of past projects. 2. A current professional resume. 3. A page listing three (3) references. It is emphasized that letters of recommendation are not requested. B. Artists can submit up to three concepts for consideration and up to three views of each concept on digital photos or on a CD. The concept views should be presented as follows: . Number of photo in upper right hand corner . Name of artist at top . List of concept views referencing corresponding photo numbers. D. All materials submitted will become property of the Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee and additional views or details may be required at the discretion of the Committee. SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5:00 P.M. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1,2006 Send To: KARIN FRANKLIN PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 Inquiries/electronic submittals: 319356-5232 or karin-franklin@iowa-citV.orQ ppddif/call to artists.doc 7.4.5 Public education 4. Construct splitter islands and delineate the central island. At this point should be uncovered and the intersection should operate as a rou 5. Finish construction of the central island. It is important to educate the public whenever e is a change in traffic patterns. It is especially important for a roundabout ause a roundabout will be new to most motorists. The techniques discus In Chapter 2 can be applied during the construction period. The following a ome specific suggestions to help alleviate initial driver confusion. . Prepare news rete s/handouts detailing what the motorist can expect be- er construction; message signs before and during construction; elers Advisory Radio immediately prior to and during construction to minate information on "How to drive;' etc.; and nstall signing during and after construction that warns of changed traffic patterns. 7.5 Landscaping This section provides an overview of the use of landscaping in the design of a roundabout. 7.5.1 Advantages Landscaping in the central island, in splitter islands (where appropriate). and along the approaches can benefit both public safety and community enhancement. The landscaping of the roundabout and approaches should: . Make the central island more conspicuous; · Improve the aesthetics of the area while complementing surrounding streetscapes as much as possible; . Minimize introducing hazards to the intersection, such as trees, poles; walls, guide rail, statues, or large rocks; . Avoid obscuring the form of the roundabout or the signing to the driver; . Maintain adequate sight distances, as discussed in Chapter 6; . Clearly indicate to the driver that they cannot pass straight through the intersec- tion; . Discourage pedestrian traffic through the central island; and . Help blind and visually impaired pedestrians locate sidewalks and crosswalks. Roundabouts: An Informational Guide. 7:Trafflc De81gn and Land8caplng o US Depor1menl a Tra>spor1allOll CONTENTS Public education during construction is as important as the public education effort during the planning process. Landscaping is one of the distinguishing features that gives roundabouts an aesthetic advantage over traditional intersections. 207 Avoid items in the central island that might tempt people to take a closer look. Exhibit 7-24. Landscaping of the central island. 208 o us Oepcrlmerl aTrmsportciton CONTENTS 7.5.2 Central island landscaping The central island landscaping can enhance the safety of the intersection by mak- ing the intersection a focal point and by lowering speeds. Plant material should be selected so that sight distance (discussed in Chapter 6) is maintained, including consideration of future maintenance requirements to ensure adequate sight dis- tance for the life of the project. Large, fixed landscaping (trees, rocks, etc.) should be avoided in areas vulnerable to vehicle runoff. In northern areas, the salt toler- ance of any plant material should be considered, as well as snow storage and removal practices. In addition, landscaping that requires watering may increase the likelihood of wet and potentially slippery pavement. Exhibit 7-24 shows the recommended placement of landscaping within the central island. The slope of the central island should not exceed 6:1 per the requirements of the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide (9). Where truck aprons are used in conjunction with a streetscape project, the pave- ment should be consistent with other streetscape elements. However, the mate- rial used for the apron should be different than the material used for the sidewalks so that pedestrians are not encouraged to cross the circulatory roadway. Street furniture that may attract pedestrian traffic to the central island, such as benches or monuments with small text, must be avoided. If fountains or monuments are be- ing considered for the central island, they must be designed in a way that will enable proper viewing from the perimeter of the roundabout. In addition, they must be located and designed to minimize the possibility of impact from an errant vehicle. Inscribed Circle Diameter Central Island Width Varies to Ensure Adequate Sight Distance (2 m [6 ft] minimUm) 7.5.3 Splitter island and approach landscaping In general, unless the splitter islands are very large or long, they should not contain trees, planters, or light poles. Care must be taken with the landscaping to avoid obstructing sight distance, as the splitter islands are usually located within the critical sight triangles (see Chapter 6). Federal Highway Administration Landscaping on the approaches to the roundabout can enhance safety by making the intersection a focal point and by reducing the perception of a high-speed through traffic movement. Plant material in the splitter islands (where appropriate) and on the right and left side of the approaches can help to create a funneling effect and induce a decrease in speeds approaching the roundabout. Landscaping in the cor- ner radii will help to channelize pedestrians to the crosswalk areas and discourage pedestrians from crossing to the central island. 7.5.4 Maintenance A realistic maintenance program should be considered in the design of the land- scape features of a roundabout. It may be unrealistic to expect a typical highway agency to maintain a complex planting plan. Formal agreements may be struck with local civic groups and garden clubs for maintenance where possible. Liability issues should be considered in writing these agreements. Where there is no inter- est in maintaining the proposed enhancements, the landscape design should con- sist of simple plant materials or hardscape items that require little or no mainte- nance. 7.6 References 1. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Manual on Uniform Traffic Control De- vices. Washington, D.C.: FHWA, 1988. 2. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Standard Highway Signs. Washing- ton, D.C.: FHWA, 1979. 3. Smith, SA, and R.L. Knoblauch. "Guidelines for the Installation of Crosswalk Markings." In Transportation Research Record 1141. Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 1987. 4. Herms, B.F. "Some Visual Aspects of Pedestrian Crosswalks:' In Proceedings, 22nd California Street and Highway Conference, Institute of Transportation and Traffic Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, January 1970. 5. Centre d'Etudes sur les Reseaux les Transports, l'Urbanisme et les construc- tions publiques (CERTU). tEclairage des Carre fours a Sens Giratoire (The Illumi- nation of Roundabout Intersections). Lyon, France: CERTU, 199" 6. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). An Information Guide for Roadway Lighting. Washington, D.C.: AASHTO, 1985. 7. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals. Washington, D.C.: AASHTO, 1994. 8. Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). American National Standard Practice for Roadway Lighting. Standard RP-8. December 1982. 9. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Roadside Design Guide. Washington, D.C.: AASHTO, 1989. Roundabouts: An Informational Guide. 7:Trefflc D..19n and Land.ceplng o ~~ CONTENTS Ensure that whatever landscaping is installed, it will be maintained. 2119 :;0 1"1 > ... :Ez [:] ~ Ii o 0;: ~~ ~ 0 -4-. 0 QJ ~ 2~ ~~ = ~~ 0 tj 0 @ --0 rP:1 0 ~.........t5 8 a-_.-. ~ ~"Q o. U) GJ Z r--... -l -< -0 '--" 07 --"'- I f><1 -0 () () () ~ I 1645 N. Wood St Chicago, IL 60622 October 5, 2005 City of Iowa City Iowa City Public Art Program 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Iowa City Art Council: I am writing to request your consideration in regards to the future of the sculpture "Love is Strange" in Willow Creek Park. Hopefully everyone has had a chance to visit the work, which was recently finished after' much painstaking time and effort. I was very pleased when I final stood back and compared the finished work to the original drawing and the maquettes. The overall form of the surface looks just like the maquettes with angular planes rolling in and out with the iron rod. I realized that it looks very similar to Umberto Boccioni's sculptural masterpiece Unique Forms of Continuity in Space which was not a conscious inspiration but has always been a personal favorite. Maybe not too surprisingly, it peaked the interest of many park visitors during the on-site phases of casting and texturizing the surface of the concrete. Numerous people stood and watched and many actually approached causing me to stop my work and address them and their questions. Many were interested in how I came to be doing this and who sponsored it, if it was "Art in the Parks" or what. People expressed excitement about the new addition. Many talked about how they live in the area and come to the park everyday. They had been watching the process, liked the work so far, and thought the idea of putting sculpture there was wonderful. Some wanted to know if more works were coming. One man with a couple children thought it would be neat if they turned that whole wooded area into something like a fantasy land with a bunch of different sculptures. It has been an honor and a privilege to have been accepted by the Iowa City Arts Council for this installation. It has also been a great opportunity for me to represent the University oflowa's School of Art. The question that comes now is what to do with the piece after the contract is up. I am unsure of my ability at that time to store it and I certainly do not want to have to destroy and dispose of it. I would like to ask the council to reconsider the rotating pad and consider the possibility of purchasing the work from me at the very reasonable price of $3000. Having a rotating display is beneficial especially when considering the questionable quality of student work. In this case however, I think the structural integrity and durability of my materials have been under estimated. One of the first things to happen to the sculpture will be the rusting of the exposed metal. This excites me and was intentional. The dark rusty color will provide a dramatic linear contrast to the grayish white concrete planes. The rust will then begin to bleed down the concrete, following the path of least resistance over the rolling angular planes of the bodies. I am certain there will be no major phy.sical deterioration of the sculpture for at least five years. After approximately 10 years the rust at the surface will start to work its way down into the cement and will expand ever so slightly. As the layers of rust build, small fragments of cement around the exposed metal will begin to fall away. This is all a very slow process made even slower by the use of a chemical mixture known as air-entrainment added to a good mix of Portland cement and the right sized aggregate. I hope you agree that the size and quality of this work along with the ambition to see it through far exceeds what you might expect from your average student. Setting aside the physical size and integrity ofthe work, I hope that you see the value in it's originality, in it's artistic composition, in it's innovative use of materials, and in it's ability to speak to the public yet remain somewhat of a mystery. Sincerely, Seth Godard Enclosures (2)