©Hood Design Studio
The viewing platform is inspired by its setting adjacent to the historic Fire Station #35 and the San Francisco Bay and Bridge. BOW...the curved shape associated with the front of a boat is multi-dimensional in its interpretation. It is an homage to the fireboats and their role in the cultural history of the City of San Francisco and Bay, including their signifi cant contributions during and after the Loma Prieta Earthquake. It is a sculpture that can be experienced from all around and from within; a commemorative work that features the boathouse history and narrative from citizens who experienced the earthquake. Similar to how the crew of Fire Station #35 moves deliberately on the water using navigational charts without the reference of built objects, BOW is a sculpture to showcase and commemorate these unseen cultural histories. BOW serves as both a visually striking element along the Embarcadero and the Bay, as well as an overlook and a resting place.
At the edge of the pier deck , BOW sticks out…overlooking the old and new fi reboats, the bay and bridge. The sculpture appears also to be pulled out onto the sidewalk, inviting people to walk to the overlook with a simple assessible ramp from where they can enjoy the spectacular bay views and the daily operations of the fi reboats of Fire Station #35. At the center of the overlook a series of glass panels are collaged with historic images and quotations to illuminate the cultural importance of Fire Station #35.
san francisco arts commission
San Francisco, CA | 2021
Budget: n/a
Materials: Steel frame, collaged glass panels.