Alameda County Castro Valley Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project Artwork Proposal Masayuki Nagase

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1 Alameda County Castro Valley Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project Artwork Proposal Masayuki Nagase Background When approaching public art projects, I always like to start with the community who will be using the site. At the community meeting, I noticed the residents affection for the beauty of the surrounding nature and their recognition of the historical roots of Castro Valley. From that point, I began to explore the history and the natural characteristics of Castro Valley as the theme for the artwork. I also felt it was important that the artwork should be meaningful and accessible to the residents and the visitors to Castro Valley. Key issues I wanted to address in this concept: 1) Work with natural materials and regional themes from nature 2) Develop imagery that was meaningful to Castro Valley 3) Give a sense of character to the streetscape and downtown Castro Valley 4) Offer a range of positive visual experiences for those walking and/or driving by the boulevard Description of the artwork My main approach to this project is to create an overall thematic design that gives a sense of unity and integrity as the artwork moves through the streetscape. I propose a series of unique stone tile mosaics to be placed on the markers and benches. While the mosaics can be viewed individually, they also interconnect with each other in varying aspects of the environment of Castro Valley. The themes of images presented in the proposal include the following: 1) The general landscape of Castro Valley 2) Natural flora and fauna of the region 3) Domestic animals such as the horse and the chicken/rooster Surrounding the individual mosaic on each marker and bench will be a geometric abstract design also made of stone tiles. This repeating design is based on the regional landscape of Castro Valley: hills and valleys. The geometric pattern design travels across the markers and the sides of the benches creating a unified visual experience throughout the boulevard. At this preliminary stage of the design, I present 3 sections/series of the benches. Each section has a different colored stone tile pattern on the sides, offering a sense of place and orientation. 1

2 Alameda County Castro Valley Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project Masayuki Nagase As the visitors walk onto the boulevard they can encounter the artwork at any point. Starting at the entrance, the vertical markers will offer a focal point. The visitors can discover the mosaics on all sides. As one continues to walk down the boulevard, one can discover the unique mosaic on each bench. As the visitor sits on the bench, one can view the mosaic and be reminded of the essence of the natural environment while being on the downtown boulevard. In addition, as one drives down the boulevard the geometric design pattern on the side of the benches will create a pleasant visual experience as one drives by. Proposed Materials Natural stone tiles: Granite and Limestone 3/8 thickness Epoxy and grout Sealant The materials are all natural stone tiles that show the beauty of stone. The stone tiles are durable and permanent. The stone tiles are appropriate for outdoor use and require a low level of maintenance. They can be sealed and lightly washed periodically. I have used this same material in other mosaic artworks in other public art projects including the Little Sugar Creek Greenway in Charlotte, North Carolina which included 8 mosaics embedded in outdoor paving. Another example of my mosaic artwork is in the Alameda Free Library in the city of Alameda. Future Considerations For this preliminary concept proposal, I have designed 10 mosaics only. The actual project would entail 56 individual designs. If selected, I would consider holding additional community design workshops to further research into additional images for the mosaic designs. 2

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8 Proposed Timeline for the Design, Fabrication and Installation Castro Valley Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project Masayuki Nagase I. Design Phase 5 months a) Develop and draw precise layouts for 56 unique mosaic designs for benches and markers b) Finalize contract and insurance requirements c) Select and order stone material and arrange for transport to studio d) Select contractor for fabrication and installation of geometric pattern designs and mosaic panels e) Coordinate with general contractor and city regarding construction schedule and details of project II. Fabrication Phase 6 months a) Fabricate 56 mosaic panels including cutting, gluing together and final finishing III. Site Preparation Phase 1 month a) Coordinate and conduct site visits with general contractor, artist and subcontractor before installation IV. Installation Phase 1 month a) Crate all mosaic designs for transportation b) Arrange transportation from studio to site c) Install the geometric pattern designs on markers and benches by subcontractor d) Install the mosaic panels on markers and benches by subcontractor e) Sealing all stone tile surfaces f) Install plaque 3