team insights
We’re always grateful for the chance to learn new processes and play with new materials. Our challenge was to design a lasting monument to the places and stories of Commencement Bay.
The 8 powdered-coated steel panels converge on a poured cement platform, imprinted with poetry and art, to imply the bow of a ship, immense in both story and scale. Each panel depicts various aspects which commemorate the vitality of Commencement Bay. At the axis of the sculpture, two giants pull open the girders of the Murray Morgan bridge, creating a picture-perfect photo-op.
Collaborating with our fabrication and installation partners, we activated this public space with an ongoing celebration of rhythm and alignment. Every Winter Solstice, December 21st, locals gather to see the alignment of the sculpture, the bridge, Tahoma, and the sunrise behind the mountain. The sun has yet to make an appearance.
collaboration
We see this type of placemaking work as a powerful tool to build community. In addition to gathering input from a multitude of community voices throughout this project, we were also able to collaborate with several skilled trade teams. Fabrication and installation was facilitated alongside several local companies including:
- InlineNW
- S&S Metal Fabrication
- J&D Powdercoating
A special note should be made in acknowledgement of Rebecca Solverson from the City of Tacoma and Rod Koon from the Port of Tacoma who guided this project throughout the process.
concrete
Work done by InlineNW
metal
Work done in partnership with S&S Metal Fabrication
powdercoating
Work done with the help of J&D Powdercoating
Here’s some good news I wanted to share with you on this sunny Friday afternoon…
I just got back from attending the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) annual convention in Austin, Texas, received an Award of Distinction in the annual AAPA communications competition. Congrats to ALL who helped make this such a great project!
Rod Koon
Senior Manager | Communications
