Seatac Airport Art Master Plan Pooled Funds
Seatac Airport Art Master Plan Pooled Funds
Seatac Airport Art Master Plan Pooled Funds
POOLED FUNDS
2003
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SEA TAC AIRPORT ART MASTER PLAN: POOLED FUNDS
2003
February 2003
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INTRODUCTION
SeaTac Airport has one of the countrys most prestigious collections of public artwork for airports. Developed over the past 30 years, the program has focused on
attaining the best examples of art, reflecting the values and contemporary ideas of the time in which the art has been acquired and produced. From museum
quality artworks to integrated work, the collection encompasses a wide range of work. There is diversity to the aesthetic, a critical factor for an airport serving such
a diverse population.
Though it may seem that the artwork at the airport lacks an unified aesthetic or that the selection of the work has been somewhat haphazard, there is an abiding
sense of quality and care to the artwork. The artwork is well maintained and careful attention is given to re-siting artwork as changing configurations of the airport
dictate. The majority of the artwork reflects aspects of the Northwest, an important factor in giving SeaTac its unique identity and connection to the region it
serves. The early 1970s artwork is museum quality, by some of the best artists of that era. Artists in SeaTacs collection such as Frank Stella, Louise Nevelson, and
Robert Rauschenberg are also found in the best museums and private collections. In the 1990s the airport remodeled Concourses B, C and D and artwork played a
big part in creating the Northwest identity of the Airport. Artists such as William Morris, Larry Kirkland, Ross Beecher and other nationally recognized artists are
represented. The current Capital Improvement projects, such as STEP and Central Terminal Improvements, will feature both site specific and integrated pieces by
nationally and internationally recognized artists, some of whom live in the Northwest.
In the constantly evolving environment of the airport, the artwork continues to play an important role in creating comfortable, but dynamic, high quality spaces
and connecting the airport to the Northwest region through a cultural experience. Its value has been built by the careful choices and attention to selection and
siting. This plan builds on the legacy of these works of art to create a memorable airport environment.
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BACKGROUND
In mid 2002, the public art program of SeaTac Airport identified funds allocated from a variety of construction/capitol projects. These pooled funds have
accrued to over $1.7 million to provide an opportunity to incorporate artworks into the airport without being necessarily tied to specific construction
projects.
Norie Sato, the artist/consultant hired to develop this art plan, began by studying the airport. She spent time walking through the airport and examined
various potential locations, talked with constituents, staff, consultants and architects to discover other options, needs, thoughts, desires and studied various
plans and design guidelines developed for the airport. A series of preliminary recommendations were developed and reviewed by the Airport Art Oversight
Committee, the EASE Team and key Port of Seattle/SeaTac Airport staff Keith Gillin, Greg Vouros, Jody Yamanaka, Barney Myer , Anne Monks, and
others from the staff. Their recommendations were then revised to reflect the input. The following is a result of that process. It is hoped that the following
set of recommendations set the stage for a variety of projects to be carried out over the next few years.
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PHILOSOPHY
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THEME / ATTITUDE / ETHIC
The best artworks for public places respond to their context and function of their location. In general, this overriding principle is the goal of the artworks
commissioned by this pool of funds. However, a group of works might also benefit from a type of frame which creates relationships between the works
and serves not only to unify the particular body of work, but also create a sense of unity and direction within the airport. The frame helps guide selection
of the artist and their proposal. This conceptual frame should also inspire artists and allow them freedom to create their best worknot limit or force
artists to create an artwork with ideas either foreign to their way of working or of little interest.
The Pacific Northwest and its traditions has been a focus for SeaTac Airport overall and the art program over the past few years. It is expected that this
will continue. For this group of special artworks, a tighter focus on the people and diverse cultures but reinterpreted through different and new eyes and
of our particular time, might provide a frame worth considering. This includes both traditional/ethnic cultures (where we came from) and current cultures
(where we are now). This idea does not mean artists should focus simply on diversity of cultures or need to represent a multitude of cultures. This is an
evolution of tradition, juxtapositions of forward thinking ideas with tradition as a base. Expression of ones own cultural heritage or current culture,
reinterpreted according to individual experiences and relating to the time in which the art is created, becomes a metaphor or a symbol of a more universal
experience.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
CRITERIA FOR PROJECT PRIORITIZATION opportunities for artists of different types of work or different
levels of experience to be selected.
There are many options for sites, more than is possible with the
pooled funds. The Pooled Art Funds provide an opportunity to SELECTION PANEL
focus on areas that are currently underserved by art. Most of these
areas are not slated for major redevelopment or are already under The selection panels role in the success of projects is key. The
construction, which may alter the type of work that can be right artist, with the correct information and direction is the key
considered. to success in any project. The selection panel should be well
informed about the goals of the project, the characteristics of a
The priority projects and sites identified are those specific site, the options to consider, any conceptual frame or
direction (in a big picture way) that is a focus needs to be
where no (or very little) art has been placed, but are sites of discussed and agreed to by the panel, so everyone is selecting with
high visibility and use. a similar understanding.
which are landmarks and wayfinding elements are also
priority needs within the airport ARTWORK CRITERIA
which have a special character or would develop a special
character with an artwork All artwork commissioned under this program should be durable,
easy to maintain and adhere to all the guidelines set forth under
PARTNER ARTWORKS the Art Program Guidelines. However, all artwork requires some
maintenance, just as other things in the airport require
In this project, there is the potential of juxtaposing two artists maintenance. If some type of maintenance is required regularly, it
one large commission, one more focused commission in each of the should be made clear during the proposal phase, so that
larger, more complex sites. This allows each artist to play off of expectations are agreed to and guidelines and instructions should
the other, not requiring collaboration per se, but only conversation be clearly outlined by the artist after the artwork is completed.
and consideration of the others thinking or ideas. It also helps to
create a diversity of aesthetic in that location, an opportunity for In addition, artwork should not be seen as a way to correct
the art to provide an extra level of depth for the audience, and deficiencies in design, but to be allowed, by its integrity, quality
and presence, to contribute to the quality of the space.
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HIGH PRIORITY SITES and PROJECT OPTIONS
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FIS: 2 Projects
High Priority
Arrival corridors: Light work: gobo, moving gobos, moving light fixtures, etc.a more
theatrical attitude toward the spacecould be interactivei.e.
Landmark Site activated by the people who pass by
Perhaps a work with smells
Goals of the artwork:
Welcome, create a sense of arrival in the region
Make the corridors a more gracious human space
Create a wayfinding landmark
Constraints of the site: RECOMMENDED PROJECT & BUDGET:
$65,000: Artwork at intersection/stairway to Int. Baggage Claim
Ceiling is relatively low
If walls are to be used, artwork would need to be wall mounted Selection Process: Open Call
Must not protrude much from the wall according to ADA and practical
concerns STATUS: Call in December 2002
Wall surface is plastic laminate, and may limit options Artist Kay Kirkpatrick selected in January, 2003
Windows across from wall may limit usable materials (non-fading) Proposal Underway
Wall is touchable and artwork should be able to withstand some
physical abuse
Not a location where people lingermostly a walk through site
Opportunities:
A linear narrative or directional work such as a series of paintings,
photographs, photomurals, (but they need protection/framing)
Hanging focal point work at intersections
Series of light boxes with duratrans images or lenticular images which move
with the viewers position in relationship to the work.
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International baggage claim:
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Constraints of the site:
Lighting is uneven
Advertising is competition
Chaotic at floor level
Signage is prominent
Addressing each area is a huge taskwould need to focus
Some Options/Opportunities
Sculptural and audio baggage arrival signal with light and sound
Sculptures on top of carousels: i.e. series of figures, objects
Back walls: Lenticular Light box photographs
Throats baggage openings: light work, frame,
Baggage Claim Side/beam walls
High Priority Light work
Video on plasma screens
The Main Baggage Claim area has no artwork at this point. There is a great Light boxes
deal of advertising in the form of light boxes, the baggage carousels are in Sculptural reliefs, frieze
themselves large sculptures, the earthquake retrofit adds visual obstruction. Glass (wall hung) with lighting added
However, it is a location where a great number of people spend time waiting, so
artwork can provide a wonderful focus.
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Central Terminal Security & Meeter/Greeter Areas
High Priority
Directly in front of the central security area for 2 concourses, this area is also a
place for meeting and greeting. It is a very visible location that will become
more of a focal point as the CTE project is completed. Currently under A sculpture which incorporates many smaller hanging elements or occurs
construction, it may be an opportunity for more integration. It is light during in various locations throughout the space
the day, with clerestories and skylights. Rather than being simply confined to High clerestory windows could be used as stained glass or other
the central area, this space possibly extends on either side, into the promenade treatment such as prismatic glass to create rainbows at certain times of
area as well to meeting/greeting areas. the day
Hanging fanciful clock visible from 3 directions: could incorporate
Landmark/Wayfinding Site glockenspiel type of movement
Potential to develop a special character
RECOMMENDED PROJECTS & BUDGETS:
Goals: 1) $300,000 (1-2 projectsone big, one small) hanging artwork
Create a landmark for the many people waiting, either to go through which could extend North and South from the central security area
security or for friends, family and colleagues to arrive. 2) $20,000 Commission a composer to create a piece to be played on
Create a welcoming space, perhaps even inject a sense of magic or wonder the piano in the vicinity of the food court
Attract attention as a type of wayfinding device
Selection Process: Open Call
Constraints
Floor space is at a premium, needs to be flexible to accommodate large
numbers of waiting people
Security screening functions cannot be compromised
Infrastructure inside ceiling is unknown and weights for objects hung from
the ceiling may be limited. There is a skylight directly overhead
Signage is prominent
Opportunities:
A hanging sculpture that could move
A chandelier or light sculpture
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North Satellite STS Station
Medium Priority
Opportunities:
The North Satellite Train Station has just been renovated and is a location where many Rare opportunity for a sculptural installation which uses the entire space
people wait and others disembark for the gates at North Satellite. There is currently no (changing the character of the space) or for a sculpture which connects the
artwork at the North Satellite as there is in other Concourses and the Main Terminal. floor and ceiling
Train could have light work visible through the glass doors as it arrives
Landmark/Wayfinding Site Sound Art
Light projection or more atmospheric work
Goals:
Escalator ceiling or area perhaps connecting the upper concourse level to
Enhance the waiting experience for the trains the train level in some way
Create a memorable experience for arriving passengers Wall work in tunnel opposite the doors : could be light, paint, reflectors,
Constraints: projections, animated or moving elements
Wall spaces limited, but potential opportunity on floor
Escalators across from trains pull passengers through the space quickly
Typical plastic laminate on walls RECOMMENDED PROJECT & BUDGETS:
Ceilings rather low 1) $100,000 A sculptural installation of the North Satellite STS Station
Tunnel wall clearances are small and critical 2) $ 25,000 A wall work in tunnel opposite the doors
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Exterior Landside
High Priority Constraints of the site
Must not confuse drivers by diverting their attention
There is no artwork visible on the outside of the airport from either the Maintain modernist character & purity of the architecture
ticketing/drop off or the baggage claim pick up drive. The large sweep of the Large overwhelming space
terminal creates a place of dynamic visuals on the upper drive, but care has not been
Must not obscure signage
given to these areas to make these spaces into anything but strictly functional places.
These are areas in need of sprucing up, where sidewalks, benches, doorways, parking Waiting patrons need to remain visible
garage surfaces and bridges could use a bit of a sparkle. The parking garage and Attachments/infrastructure under roadway/ceiling unclear
new vent shafts are the view from the lower drive, which are not especially friendly Opportunities:
and welcoming. This area may be too large an environment for the art program to Overall Opportunities
be able to change in a huge way. However, art could create moments of interest for Work incorporates plants or light
waiting or arriving passengers and help to take this impressionable experience of the Work on concrete surfaces, especially lower drive
airport (as the first and/or last contact with the airport) memorable. Benches: refurbish or replace with artist-designed, more fanciful benches
or other furnishings
Landmark/Wayfinding
Site with Special Character: Modernist Architectural Expression
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Garage Venting Units (4 units)
Visible from both upper and lower drives, doesnt interfere with modernist Exterior Landscaping Projects: supplement existing 1% funds to make art
architecture projects using plant materials.
Enhance existing neon or fiber optic work Landside landscape areas: Emphasize plants; also consider plants that
Porcelain enamel painting: panels on grid : series of paintings (like a smell good to create olfactory environment or use plants in an unexpected
quilt) or one large spread over many panels way
Sandblasting on the surface of the concrete Bus Stop area: make a waiting area environment with benches, shelter
and other elements of interest
Computer print out banner for rotating series of images
Heritage project: identifying various factoids, events, finds, which have
Possible landscape/planting project occurred at SeaTac Airport via some type of element mounted on the
3-D attachments could create shadows columns
Ventilation units: (see above)
New Roadway system creates opportunity for gateway or major
landmark work: Supplement generated 1% for Art funds with pooled
funds
RECOMMENDED PROJECT(S):
1) $300,000 Concrete Vent Shafts: surface or lighting treatment
2): $240,000 Landside Projects: Lower drive projects to be determined, or
use to augment 1% funds for Roadway alignment projects
Exterior Landside Sites
Selection Process: Open Call
Columns could be used to distinguish areas: i.e. painted or clad, or with
sculpture mounted on them, historical factoids, as wayfinding interest
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Works in series such as photographs, prints, small
paintings, or works which are made up of smaller pieces
STEP Possibly install display case for glass in the waiting area
Medium to Low Priority Activate area under Grand Stairs at International Arrivals
Baggage Claim with whimsical sculpture
The STEP Office Lobby is where guests are greeted and received for
meetings of many types. The reception area graced by art would reflect INITIAL No-Cost item: Install Louise Nevelson or Frank Stella
the overall aesthetic tone of the airport and of its commitment to art. work on the large wall
Though there is a strong series of artworks at STEP for users of the
airport facility, there is currently none scheduled for the Office Lobby Recommended Project:
and Tower. This is a public location with a different, but very
important purpose than the others and the presence of artwork is most 1) $20,000 (Add to amount if other funds become available at a later
welcoming. time): Sculptures on either side of the escalator up to the Lobby
form a landmark indicating location of lobby .
Goals 2) $60,000 Add to budgets of projects currently commissioned which
Create a sense of welcome and arrival to the Office Lobby need more: (Thompson ($25K) , Shelton ($35K)
Add a sense of quality for visiting dignitaries, officials and
guests of all types. Selection Process: Direct purchase with a small committee; Might be an
opportunity to directly involve SeaTac Staff, with some pre-selection of works
Constraints from which to make a final selection or invitational or limited competition
Wall and floor space is rather limited
Opportunities
Use works from existing collection which have no current
home or as a place for rotating various works
Wall Works by NW artists
Wall Glass installation
Chandelier
Sculptures on either side of escalator to lobby area form a
type of gateway/landmark
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A strategy would be:
To develop a series of walls or spaces to allow rotating or new works to be
shown. Incorporate flexible lighting and hanging systems for the easy changing
of artwork. Then develop a system to change and regularly rotate the collection
among spaces. Some of the work may not be regularly shown, but shown
seasonally or for special events.
Goals
Create a collection of artworks which are rotated regularly
Change the look of spaces for frequent users and staff
Address a diversity of interests by developing several different types of
collections.
Opportunities
Develop a thematic collection or a focused collection of related work such
as a series of photographs and an opportunity to explore an idea from a
Portable Works Collection multitude of points of view
Medium Priority Could be a direct purchase of photos or prints at relatively low cost
With spaces developed, the possibility to rent or borrow artworks might
A Portable Works Collection is a way to collect some smaller works or series of works develop. Perhaps develop a partnership with a gallery or corporate sponsor
that can be placed in a variety of spaces, is regularly rotated, though some could be Take some chances on aesthetic styles or forms
placed relatively long term. It is a way to develop diversity within the collection, take
some aesthetic risks, and distribute artworks to areas which are smaller. With storage, Recommended Direction: Begin with priority need locations, and select the
work may be rotated in and out, further enhancing the changing nature of spaces. The work for those as a beginning point, even though the works may rotate.
glass display cases for glass objects are an example of a rotating portable collection Budget: $50,000 (to occur over time)
already in place at SeaTac Airport, though the artworks are on loan, rather than owned.
Selection Process: Direct Selection or Invitational/Limited competition.
This is also an opportunity to look at public office spaces such as the ID Badge Office,
Might be an opportunity to directly involve SeaTac Staff, with some pre-selection
where artworks would enhance the environment, but where available spaces do not
of works from which to make a final selection or, by invitational or limited
warrant commissions at this time. Hold rooms in the concourses, if airlines agree, also
competition
have some high walls which may be appropriate for some works.
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Constraints
Signage needs to remain clear
Infrastructure is unclear for ceiling or various surfaces
Other strong artworks in the vicinity (escalator area)
Much activity directly in front of wall at human height
Options
Structure of the wall itself could provide sculptural/visual expression
North Esplanade A work which interacts with the light in the space or emanates light
Medium Priority Work might incorporate elements which hang in front of wall as well as the
wall itself. Create an installation using all the surfaces, ceiling and space
Glass surfaces allow opportunities for colored glass or other treatment
The new security demands at the airport has created needs for security walls at
checkpoints that were previously unplanned. This new opportunity has a modest Recommended Project:
budget from the 1% funds that could be supplemented by the pooled funds, in order 1) Security Checkpoint Wall: $25,000 supplement to existing project
to create a more welcoming and friendly wall while maintaining its function. The funds for security wall
wall would be more permanent and integrated, into the existing architecture. It 2) Other site(inclined plane) is low priority
foreshadows the newly renovated entrance to the Main Terminals North Train Selection: Stuart Keeler & Michael Machnic have been selected to design and
Station, a dramatic space with expansive windows and views outward, with Dick implement security wall
Weisss stained glass windows as one descends the escalator. As one turns down the
second set of escalators, a slanted wooden inclined plane with high ceilings and glass
windows beyond forms another potential prominent, dynamic location for an
artwork suspended or otherwise located in the recessed area. A dynamic series of
Karen Ganz paintings awaits those waiting for the train in the station below.
Goals
Create interest, but calming at security area which is more integrated
Create a memorable work which ties to contemporary Northwest culture(s)
A work which is visible from various vantage points, from above or below.
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LOWER PRIORITY SITES AND OPPORTUNITIES
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Parking Garage-side Bridge Entrances Not a place where people linger
Low Priority Signage needs to remain clear
Opportunities:
Entrances to the bridges from the parking garage are one of the front doors to the Door surrounds could be in a variety of media, including light
airport. Currently they are not memorable, but could be made more memorable for Each Door could be a separate commission, with different approaches or a series
arriving passengers and guests. Five bridges currently exist, with another one in the near Potential for plant material use, in certain locations
future. This project focuses on the experience of the entrance, rather than from both
directions.
Goals:
Create a welcoming entrance, a sense of arrival and care for the experience of the
airport
Distinguish on entrance from another
Constraints:
Infrastructure for mounting artwork may not be adequate
Parking garage is dim and a bit grim
Lighting is not focused in the vicinity
Environment is covered, but outdoor in nature
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Some pieces with simple movement might create a quirky
Concourse B & C Knuckles (if desired) environment
Low Priority Possibly a piece outside the clerestory windows could be a
surprise
Goals
Create a point of interest along the long walk out to the
further hold rooms
People waiting by restrooms create a potential audience
Opportunities:
A secondary window system introduces colored or
sandblasted glass which could create a beautiful
interaction of color, glass, light during the day
Smaller wall mounted objects create an installation
environment
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Concourses:
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
This plan has not focused on the concourses because many incorporate
Subway Train and Tunnel: at least some artworks commissioned during their renovation. Some
locations could be identified for portable works, even in hold rooms
The train provides opportunities for a variety of options, and could with consultation and approval of the airlines. Some of the currently
create some memorable moments for travelers. A composer/sound permanent works such as Eduardo Calderons photographs in
artist might be commissioned to make a whole set of sounds for the Concourse B and possibly Michael Fajans painting in Concourse D
various aspects of the train: A special tone or tune could signal the might be moved to other walls in the airport to create a change of
beginning of an announcement or a special sound that signals an atmosphere at those locations through portable works. Care needs to
approacha toot toot of some type.. The train itself could be be taken in moving these pieces, however, since they were
painted. The train could have special headlight sequences or colors commissioned for those specific locations and they may lose a portion of
which may be visible from the train stations and signal its approach. their meaning once moved to other locations. The Fajans painting in
The tunnel walls across from the glass doors at the stations provide a particular is especially long and a comparable location might not be
possible location for a wall work that creates additional interest while available.
waiting for the train.
Esplanade:
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REFERENCES
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SEATAC ART PLAN OPPORTUNITIES:
POOLED FUNDS MASTER PLAN Feb-03
LOCATION/ SITES SITE DESCRIPTION INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS ART TYPE/OPTIONS PRIORITY BUDGET PROJECTED TIMELINE
PRIORITY LOCATIONS AND OPTIONS
FIS
International Corridor Corridor & Bag Claim Wall sculpture/wall pcs/electronic/animated 1 $250,000.00 2003-2004
BAGGAGE CLAIM
High Walls Light Boxes lenticular photos 2 $50,000.00 2006-2007
baggage carousels/ signals Replace existing use exisiting circuits.wiring? sound & light, whimsical 1 $50,000.00 2004
Hanging OR earthquake braces group as options with below 1 $100,000.00
Baggage Carousel sculptures 3
NORTH SATELLITE
Train Station Space is clean and well-lit Installation/Sculpture 2 $100,000.00 2005-2006
Tunnel (opposite doors) Opposite tunnel wall from doors animated, moving, light or paint 2 or 3 $25,000
EXTERIOR LANDSIDE
Ventilation Structures 4 Concrete Walls with grid reveals landscape/lighting/porcelain panels/sandbl. 1 $300,000.00 2003-2005
Baggage Level Columns group w/ below to determine later 1 $240,000.00 2005-2006
Roadway Re-aligment/new configuration Supplement existing 1% funds monumental sculpture group w/above
Lower level bus stops (S. end)+S.Term. Entry columns, benches, landscape, shelter group w/above
PORTABLE WORKS/LOCATIONS
STEP Lobby Portable Collection 1 $50,000.00 2004-2005
STEP Conference Rooms/Public Offices Portable Collection 2
ID Access Portable Collection 2
Mezzanine Walls Portable Collection 2
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LOCATION/ SITES SITE DESCRIPTION INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS ART TYPE/OPTIONS PRIORITY BUDGET PROJECTED TIMELINE
NORTH ESPLANADE:
Security Checkpoint Wall Supplement existing funds 2 $25,000.00
Inclined Plane above Excalators 3
PARKING GARAGE BRIDGE ENTRANCES make visible, welcoming,doorways doorway surrounds, sculptures, light works 3
CONCOURSE B 3
"Knuckle" Sculptural installation 3
Hold Rooms Possible Portable Works location 3
CONCOURSE C 3
"Knuckle" Sculptural installation 3
Hold Rooms Possibly Portable Works location 3
CONCOURSE D 3
Hold Rooms Portable Works location
SOUTH SATELLITE
Train Station
Tunnel 2 or 3
ESPLANADE 3
Meeter/Greeter Areas
TRAIN 3
Train itself "Approaching" light event
Inside Train Rotating Artworks?
Subtotal $1,590,000.00
Administration/infrastructure/contingency $175,000.00
TOTAL $1,765,000.00
TOTAL Available Funds (as of 9/2002) $1,765,000.00
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