4MR Sewage Plant Fence Art Project

[Overtone]

I bike along this fence in the dark. It would be a safety issue if the artist chooses to put up “found objects” that create bright reflections from bicycle headlamps. Does anyone know who to write to so I can recommend that the artist be constrained to non-reflective materials for the 4MR trail side.

John

http://www.arlnow.com/2014/12/17/dutch-artist-to-design-fence-for-water-pollution-plant/
http://publicart.arlingtonva.us/locations/water-pollution-control-plant-fence-enhancement/

Topic

[PotomacCyclist]

Did you see these items for sale on the artist’s website? (The links are in the ARLnow article.)

$25,000 for a Chest of Drawers?
https://www.droog.com/webshop/products/chest-of-drawers/

$4,000 for a chair made out of bags of rags?
https://www.droog.com/webshop/products/rag-chair/

I wonder if anyone has actually bought this stuff.

I think you have reason to be concerned that the artist might favor aesthetics over practical concerns. But you might find him receptive to your concerns. He is Dutch and the Dutch do like cycling.

[bobco85]

From the county page for this, they have an image of the prototype design:

[IMG]http://bikearlingtonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7218&stc=1[/IMG]

From looking at the prototype, it does not appear that there will be any weird reflective parts, but the design could change.

To be honest, the current prototype makes me think of all the various bacteria and other germs swimming around in the water (I’m guessing the water before it is treated).

[Arlingtonrider]

I hope our county isn’t spending huge amounts of money on this, but I don’t view the plan in that photo as any sort of hazard to my biking (although I’m pretty sure I prefer the fence as it currently is).

[rcannon100]

I was going to snark something about it might be cheaper if they just tape one dollar bills to the fence…. but I held my tongue #TheStupidThingsWeSpendMoneyOn

[mstone]

I’d pay to not have my fence look like that

[Subby]

All done!

https://www.arlnow.com/2015/10/14/public-art-installation-on-sewage-plant-fence-completed/

[Subby]

@bobco85 102335 wrote:

To be honest, the current prototype makes me think of all the various bacteria and other germs swimming around in the water (I’m guessing the water before it is treated).

You would be correct!

“Their innovative concept consists of more than 800 linear feet of brightly colored ‘widgets’ that reference the importance of microorganisms in the plant’s treatment processes and shaped fence panels overlaid on the existing fence to create a moiré effect reflecting the movement of water.”

[Tania]

Well, I love it. Y’all need to find the simple joy in life.

[Subby]

TRIPLE POST!

Whether you like it or not, I think it’s admirable that the County takes chances like this. Art and creativity is cool!

[Raymo853]

@bobco85 102335 wrote:

To be honest, the current prototype makes me think of all the various bacteria and other germs swimming around in the water (I’m guessing the water before it is treated).

It also looks like a great place for mosquito larva to grow.

They should have hired this guy to paint something for the fence.

http://www.boredpanda.com/re-directed-thrift-store-paintings-gnarled-branch-david-irvine/

[ATTACH=CONFIG]9831[/ATTACH]

[KLizotte]

I’m usually a big proponent of public art but I think this one really fails miserably. Between the toy like thingees on the fence and sections of fencing that look like they were simply damaged or installed incorrectly I don’t see anything redeeming about this “art work.”

I think a much simpler, environmentally friendly project would have been to plant some sort of flowering creeper that would eventually cover the fence, hide the sewage infrastructure, and provide a natural habitat for bugs and critters. Heck they could have just planted some quick growing bamboo. Who can argue against greenery?!

[Raymo853]

@KLizotte 126133 wrote:

Heck they could have just planted some quick growing bamboo. Who can argue against greenery?!

Bamboo is evil around here in this climate. It spreads so fast, can tear through fences, asphalt, concrete and damage underground structures. Would be a nightmare if planted around that plant and was not carefully controlled.

[Guus]

I’m as liberal as it gets and I’m very happy with the County’s direction in general (road narrowing, sidewalks, even some bicycle paths…) but personally I find this a waste of money.

Never mind that the artists are Dutch.

[chris_s]

@Guus 126145 wrote:

Never mind that the artists are Dutch.

[lordofthemark]

I like it, and enjoy riding past it.

But then I am a friggin’ hipster. And an Alexandria resident to boot.

[Author]

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