Client: Quadrangle Development Corp.

Overview

The Birth of the American Flag is a group of five sculpture elements that individually and collectively tell the story of the beginning of the United States and its representative Flag; Birth of the American Flag central sculpture, American Landscape ( bronze wall), Flag (stainless steel wall), Threads That Bond (entrance), and Constellation (entrance).
Birth of the American Flag, stainless steel, H- 56’, L-43’, W-26’,
Constellation, stainless steel, H-10’, L-4’, W-2’,
Threads that Bond, copper nickel, stainless steel. H-8’, L-22’, W-5’,
Flag Wall, stainless steel, H-29’, L-64’, W-24’-
American Landscape Wall, copper-nickel, H-45’, L-61’, W-20’

Goals

Mr. Bill Marriott asked for the artwork to be representative of Washington, DC and be something never seen before. He wanted the hotel guest to know they were in Washington not another City. The artwork needed to fill and unite the multi-level lobby floor plan that was under a 3-acre glass roof. The owners group challenged for an iconic image that would define the hotel and function to inspire and support the functional and architectural needs of the building.

Process

The sculptural elements were designed early in the process to fit into and define the lobby, lobby entrances, and needed functional spaces. This was a real collaborative effort with four architectural groups and fully supported by the owners. In the end there are prominent focal sculpture elements and some sculpture elements that blend in the architecture defining, while supporting, staircases, seating areas, ADA access ramps, and elevation changes. The Birth of the American Flag sculptures became the branding of the hotel inspiring the Anthem restaurant, embossed menus, even replica chocolate deserts.

Additional Information

BIRTH OF THE AMERICAN FLAG THIRTEEN STRIPES FORGE INTO THE TURBULANT WINDS OF TYRANNY AND FREEDOM THREADS OF TRUTH AND EQUALITY BOND THEM TOGETHER SUPPORTED BY PILLARS OF LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS RODNEY CARROLL Sculptor