ISAAC PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
The unique design of the Isaac Pedestrian Bridge was developed through a collaboration between Jacobs Engineering and artist Rosemary Lonewolf. Lonewolf drew her inspiration for the bridges bird-like form from geometric images of parrots painted on prehistoric Native American pottery. The steel mesh cage and supports of the bridge form the head and wings of a Scarlet Macaw a prized bird in ancient times flying in opposite directions. The brightly-colored relief pictures on the bridge columns tell the story of ancient traders toting corn and other goods from one culture to another. In addition to the relief images on the columns, the bridge features feather designs for railings and smaller support piers, an abstracted pattern of birds sandblasted into the walkway, and red lighting accenting the bridge at night. Lonewolf sees the bridge both as a physical crossing and a symbolic span linking the shared history of different cultures. Lonewolf is a 4th generation potter from Santa Clara Pueblo, in New Mexico. This is her first major commission with the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Public Art Program.
STREETSCAPE AND BUS SHELTERS
Artist Leticia Huerta designed new bus shelters for all four corners of 35th Avenue and McDowell and an enhanced streetscape extending along McDowell Road in both directions from the base of the new Isaac Pedestrian Bridge. The streetscape features a specially designed pattern of colored pavers, and new sidewalk alignments, trees and plantings to improve pedestrian comfort and safety along McDowell. The bus shelters feature colorful ceramic mosaics and shade screens perforated with the images of agave leaves. The two bus shelters on the east side of 35th Avenue will be installed in summer 2008. The others will be installed on the west side of 35th Avenue with the completion of the Isaac Neighborhood Learning Center in Spring 2009. Leticia Huerta is a public artist who has designed transit stations nationwide. She lives in San Antonio. This is her first major commission with the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture Public Art Program.
PHOENIX PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
The Phoenix Public Art Program was established in 1986 to help create a more beautiful and vibrant city, and extend the benefits of arts and culture throughout our community. Over the past two decades, the program has involved artists with architects, engineers, landscape architects and city planners to design and build a wide range of award-winning public facilities and spaces. These include neighborhood parks, community centers, major freeway and trail bridges, plazas, streets, overpasses, recycling centers and other important civic projects.
Duration : 0:7:51
[youtube X7JVHWTexzs]