D. Public Art Public art is a vital component of the landscape master plan and its integration into campus spaces and places is an important part of fulfilling the design prin- ciples. The implementation of a program for assembling a unique collection of art within the landscape is a multi-step process that requires the careful consideration and hard work of a dedicated group of professionals. Following is a description of the benefits of such a program, the steps required for creating one, and recom- mendations for places within the proposed campus landscape that are most suit- able for public works of art.
Building Entrances Building Entrances have great potential to become meeting places, study zones, and gathering points. They can encourage a sense of community and become an extension of each building, a gateway to its interior, and a place closely linked to the academic, residential, or administrative functions contained within. To provide for these uses, building entrances should have a paved area large enough to eas- ily provide for circulation in and out of the building as well as spaces out of the traffic flow to be used for passive activities. A variety of seating options such as seatwalls, benches, chairs, and steps will attract a wider range of people. Wire- less UNK network and computer Internet access (Wi-Fi) is also recommended to make the area more useful for studying. Layered plantings that provide shade, a sense of enclosure, and seasonal interest will add beauty and comfort. Night light- ing, primarily from inside the building but supplemented by exterior fixtures that eliminate dark corners will extend the building’s welcome and nighttime use of the area. Bicycle parking should be convenient but located a sufficient distance away from the entrance so that it does not interfere with pedestrian flow or the suggested uses of the entrance area.
The best way to achieve the highest quality of “significant” Public Art is to follow a unified approach to its acquisition by forming a campus-wide Aesthetic Review Committee (ARC) established by UNK’s central administration. This committee, appointed by the Chancellor, will serve to evaluate artists and artwork, select the art or artist, recommend appropriate locations, and guide the design process to site the art on campus. This committee’s membership should include permanent members of the UNK’s Administration and Staff with key representation of UNK’s Office of the Chancellor, Facilities Management and Planning Department, includ- ing the Campus Architect; College of Fine Arts and Humanities; and the addition of MONA’s Director and Art Department Chair/ representative. It should also in- clude “stake-holders” for each individual project in addition to off-campus/outside experts when appropriate. The appointed members of the ARC should provide a critical and unique perspec- tive, people who can speak authoritatively and be particularly helpful in discuss- ing aesthetics, contextual themes and issues of quality related to the suitability of site locations for Public Art at UNK should be sought out. These individual mem- bers should also have a strong interest in Public Art, Art Appreciation, Architecture and Landscape Architecture in support of enhancing UNK’s environment. Criteria and Guidelines for Acquiring Public Art The quality of Public Art is determined at the point where the work of art and its audience intersect and the experience creates relevance. A few constant charac- teristics provide a legitimate basis for making critical aesthetic judgments. These factors are evidenced by the artist’s expression of skill and imagination, concept execution, and visual representation of aesthetic values. The goal of acquiring Public Art should be the quality that meets or exceeds the standard of excellence reflecting the academic institution of higher learning, research, and education.
The ‘Covenant’ by Alexander Liberman at UPenn
Criteria for Selection •
Artists of Significance: Demonstrated artistic/career achievements and documented professional qualifications and recognition. Artistic Merit/Excellence: Their artwork should demonstrate their ability to master (craftsmanship) their chosen medium and control their aesthetic and visual intentions. Originality: Their oeuvre reflects a creative vision and personal vocabulary of universal significance that also reflects the values of the time and place of its creation.
Section / Elevation A-A’ - Building Entrance Example
Benefits of Public Art on Campus • The character of a community and sense of place can be profoundly changed by “Public Art.” Public Art is a unique way to visually communicate the true nature and spirit of the University.
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• Public Art can enhance the institutional identity and can create new “landmarks” that reflect the cultural and historic significance of the area.
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• Public Art adds a valued educational dimension in the development of visual literacy and functions as a vehicle of self-discovery that is not possible through traditional educational experiences.
• Public Art can serve to humanize the campus environment by creating spaces for informal gathering.
• Appropriateness of proposed site/location:
The assessment of the relevance of the work of art to its location and ability to attract and captivate an audience is critical. Determine the suitability of the proposed artwork to be feasible in the relationship to the site concerning the appropriate scale (civic, pedestrian or vehicular) to the site.
Public Art Evaluation and Selection It is critical that UNK develop a cohesive, consistent, and standardized process for the selection and placement of Public Art on campus. This includes the existing “Percent for Art Program,” new purchases and/or commissions, and future dona- tions to UNK.
• Technical feasibility: The durability of construction, material, and finish for long-term maintenance, safety and preservation should be considered.
Plan - Building Entrance Example
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Chroma Design Inc.
University of Nebraska - Kearney Campus Landscape Master Plan
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