Client: Office of Community Investment & Infrastructure

Overview

"Nautical Swing" provides a place where up to a dozen people can relax, converse, and enjoy the view while gently swaying on a circular bench —a park bench/porch-swing hybrid. Located on top of Coleman Bluff Overlook and employing an economy of means, "Nautical Swing" creates a celebratory park feature and a beautiful spot for neighbors to gather. The work is playful, romantic, and as entertaining as it is functional. 16' x 20' x 20'. Galvanized steel, painted steel, stainless steel. Location: Hunters Point Shipyard, San Francisco. (con't below)

Goals

Mirroring the redevelopment of the HPS site itself, "Nautical Swing" references the past and the future. The steel columns and beams mimic the structure of the site’s iconic gantry crane. The perforated steel canopy with its large oculus looks as if it could have been constructed from parts salvaged from the Shipyard. The canopy also creates a balance between the radiant view of the skies above and spectacular views of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Francisco Bay.

Process

Metalab provided design development and fabrication documentation services for the vertical structure. As construction managers they coordinated with the fabrication and installation contractors.

Additional Information

I use materials from the everyday outdoor environment—anything from benches, to swings, to canopies, to water—& bring them into the realm of art. I create a level of connection to the familiar while highlighting elements of awe & beguilement, often using existing artifacts from the site and retrofitting them to create a micro public square or landmark that encourages creative patterns of use. The artwork becomes part of the community's fabric & integral in shaping the way we live in public space. The idea is to surprise while fostering a sense of community around an unlikely object or site.