Long Live the Pedestrian

Artist

Mario Miguel Echevarria

Year

2004

Location

W Elizabeth St & Shields St.

Description

For this site, artist Mario Miguel Echevarria worked with Scott Addington (inventor) and Thomas Hartmann (scientist) to create artwork that promotes pedestrian safety and activity, lending to a fun and beautiful environment for the neighborhood.

Four different steel banners mounted on light poles celebrate various modes of pedestrian activity, including slogans such as, "Look Who's Walkin'" and "Don't Tread on Me." Scaled at approximately 2' x 4', the banners contain starkly silhouetted figures much like those used in the existing pedestrian signage, but with added perspective and momentous action.

Select 3' tall pre-cast concrete shrouds (skirt-like forms that decorate the base of each light post) include brilliantly colored mosaic panels and steel tie-plates created by Echevarria. Mosaic subject matter includes details and other anecdotal references to icons on corresponding shrouds.

As the viewer passes from one to the next, icons painted on the face of the shrouds appear to be animated-some biking, some with arms stretched upward "jump" up and down seeking attention from both motorists and pedestrians. Three concrete "bollards" (shaped like the shrouds) frame the crosswalk that intersects the median at the center of the project site-each shroud containing mosaics as well. Atop the bollards, 1/2" thick steel sculptures portray the icons engaged in further pedestrian activities.

Photos

Crosswalk bollard

Banners on light poles.

Example of ceramic panel on light pole shroud.