Southside Grove

project description:

The Southside Grove art installation is a site-specific sculptural environment that blends precision fabrication with natural symbolism and solar alignment. It features a series of CorTen steel trees carefully positioned to mark solar noon during the equinox. As a result, the installation creates a direct relationship between landscape, time, and light.

At the center of the piece, a custom-engraved granite table anchors the composition. It also defines the space as both an artwork and a gathering point for visitors.

We fabricated each tree using custom bump-formed CorTen round tubing. We stacked the tubing to form organic, vertical trunks that suggest natural growth while maintaining structural clarity. In addition, we welded CorTen round tubing to create branching structures that extend the canopy and reinforce the overall rhythm of the installation.

The sculptural pine-needle elements add another layer of detail. We crafted them from cast aluminum spheres. Then we fitted each sphere with acrylic rods and epoxied them in place. This design captures and refracts sunlight throughout the day, which gives the piece subtle movement as conditions change.

Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, just outside the Mountain Line Downtown Connection Center, Southside Grove functions as both public artwork and contemplative landmark. It invites viewers to engage with seasonal solar patterns while experiencing a carefully constructed mix of steel, stone, and light-driven sculpture.

designed by:

Hadad|Drugan

Materials:

Corten Steel Plate & Pipe, Cast Aluminum, 3Form Acrylic

Finish:

Weathered CorTen