TORRENCE CREEK GREENWAY TRIBUTARY II
DATE
Commissioned March 2020
Installation Anticipated Summer 2023
DESCRIPTION
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is completing an under-the-interstate greenway passage as part of the NCDOT I-77 express lanes project in Huntersville, NC, near Exit 23. The 300-foot-long, 12-foot-tall, 16-foot-wide subterranean passageway located 30-feet below the interstate will provide passage for pedestrians and bicyclists from one side of the interstate to the other, linking greenway segments on both sides of I-77. The interstate has previously been a barrier to connectivity; however, this greenway project will align with 3 continuous miles of existing trail, creating a 4-mile trail that runs through woods and behind neighborhoods off Gilead Road. The western section of the greenway runs through a meadow where neighbors often see deer, and the eastern section passes by a series of large rock formations. Short sections of the greenway are boardwalks that meander through wetlands. It’s a great place to hike or ride a bike, especially with children.
The commissioned artist is creating a static light installation with custom, intricate patterns of color, illuminating a 3-D effect to encourage consistent movement throughout the passageway. In addition, the artwork’s lighting design will increase visibility and improve pedestrian security, while meeting ADA accessibility standards.
State of Flow is inspired by water – the rivers and bodies of water of Huntersville. The design’s abstracted flowing lines and glowing sparks are taken directly from Lake Norman, Torrence Creek, and McDowell Creek. Water from Lake Norman drove the development of the city in the late 1900s and it drives the overall layout and plan of “The Vine,” Huntersville’s Greenway Trail system. Recreation, life, and prosperity are, in a way, products of the lake, rivers, and streams of this region.
The artwork’s title, State of Flow, also references achieving a flow state of mind. This could be while exercising, performing activities on the trail, or observing the natural beauty of the area. When one is in a flow state, times glides effortlessly, much like a stream.
The Schematic Design for the artwork was approved by the Public Art Commission on September 22, 2021.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Project One Studio, led by Principal Adam Buente, explores the possibilities of connection through new technology, materiality, and the human environment. They are artists, designers, and fabricators committed to craft, experience, and authenticity. They work at the limitless intersections of public art and architecture, developing, building, and installing large-scale private and public art commissions and custom architectural installations that excite curiosity, welcome play, and delight the imagination. It’s important to them that each project tells a story about the place it’s located and the lives of the people who will see it the most.
SELECTION PANEL
Robert Combs, Public Art Commission; Diane McNabb Rodriguez, Senior Designer Hartranft Lighting Design; Norman Coates, University of NC School of the Arts, Director of Lighting Design and Production; Carmela Jarvi, Artist; Community Members: Tracy Houk, Assistant Director Huntersville Park and Recreation; Scott Mumma, Chair, Huntersville Public Art Commission; Kevin B. Walsh, HDR, Inc.
FUNDING PARTNER
This project is funded through the Mecklenburg County’s 1% for the Arts Ordinance. ASC administers the public art program for the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Artist Selection and designs are approved by the appointed Public Art Commission.