Author(s)

R. G. WAKELAND

Abstract

To show public transit unified with natural world symbolism, five outdoor sculptures in transportation networks are photographed and shown situated within their site plans. Spanning space, they alter the landscapes of their multimodal stations, while invoking sublime nature. Denver, Colorado; Irving, Texas; Garland, Texas; Los Angeles, California; and Vancouver, British Columbia are the locations. Integrated with each street scene, botany becomes a common vernacular. Conversations about history, shelter, inter-cultural discourse, bicycling, and respite oases unfold. As indicia of public engagement, a review of public records investigates funding sources, selection processes and methods. Variations emerge, among which delegated committees, project architects, contractors, and public-private collaborators make decisions

Keywords

Multimodal transportation, plant form, public art, sculpture