Looking for some input on the POW monument base design.More about the monument here: http://www.richardbecker.com/POW_MONUMENT.htm
This concept:
Concrete foundation. 18″ tall, 12 ft square. Flush Uplights in corners.
Granite 2 tiered base. 42″ tall. 10 ft diameter at bottom. Sloped taper.
IGNORE: 1. the fact that from front and rear views, the POW is facing you (software app artifact). 2. The lettering and seals are not placed well.
CLICK on images to enlarge.
CONCEPT A 01sculpture5b
Conical and Cylindrical Granite, mounted on concrete pad with lighting
CONCEPT A 02sculpture5_side view
CONCEPT A 03sculpture5_rear_seals
CONCEPT B POW_Courtyard_i_STONE_CLADDING
CONCEPT B Courtyard_i_STONE_SVCSEALS
CONCEPT C Courtyard_i_GRANITE
I’ve added two more concepts.
Concept B is another cylindrical form with stone veneer that is consistent with the architectural features in the area. This base’s longevity would be similar to the surrounding materials.
Concept C explores a more irregular plinth. More chaotic, more facets, more directions — some symbolism here. Would need to be all granite or concrete.
Feel free to leave comments!
Hi Richard,
Scale-wise, I think this works much better than one you showed me last week, but I think the advantage will be lost if you have to go to a veneer instead of being able to use dimensional stone. Veneer means that you would have to caulk the joints instead of using a more pleasing and durable mortar, as you would have to accommodate the movement of veneer pieces. Caulk joints require much more frequent replacement and are subject to water ingress when they begin to fail. This is especially the case with skyward facing joints. One other concer here is with the angled surface that would carry the inscription. There would be a tendency here for water and soiling to collect in the lower areas of the incised letters, unless you went with more of a sandblasted etch of the polished stone, which I don’t think would have as powerful an affect as would actual cut letters. In general, I would still be tempted to explore ways in which the base could become less massive. It still casts a very wide footprint for a bronze that should have a base that remains subservient to it. If you could come up with a base design that would be able to be constructed with smaller blocks of dimensional stone, I think you could bring it in with less cost than a larger base made of veneer hung from a concrete back-up.
The base should not over power the statue.
A simple structure of granite (vertical) so letters in the granite don’t collect dust.
Dennis, Ralph,
Thanks for the inputs.
I can see how deeply cut letters on the sloping suface could collect debris.
Regarding the veneer, the first design is intended to be two pieces of solid granite, but other designs may be veneered and will have longevity issues as you mention.
I’ll play with some non cylindrical concepts tonight. If I come up with something I like, I’ll post it.
Dennis, your reference to the Arthur Ashe monument was helpful.
Thanks and any other thoughts or ideas are appreciated.