Arts: San Diego

As part of efforts to enhance the waterfront experience through public art, San Diego’s board of port commissioners has approved artist concept proposals for three art projects to be installed in conjunction with the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina’s $200 million redevelopment project. The proposals will fulfill the Port of San Diego’s "Tenant Percent for Art" requirement.

The first artwork, titled "Tide," is an exterior sculpture comprised of a series of LED-illuminated waves created from powder-coated aluminum tubes and ceramic tile pavers. The tubes and pavers are arranged in a serpentine strand of sculptural waves that crest and fall. "Tide" will be installed on Marina Walk outside of the new Marriott Hall.

A second outdoor sculpture, titled "Kelp," is constructed of painted steel strips with LED lighting that will line the pathway along Marina Walk. The bent steel elements represent strands of kelp and are covered with steel sheathing and partially powder-coated with a range of bright greens, blues and yellows, reminiscent of sunlit kelp on the ocean floor.

"Kelp"
Photo/Port of San Diego

Both "Tide" and "Kelp" are designed by Los Angeles-based artists After Architecture.

The third proposed artwork, titled "Mountainscape," will be located in the Marriott Grand Ballroom Prefunction area, visible to the public from Harbor Drive via the curtainwall system of the new Marriott Hall currently under construction. This sculptural chandelier embodies the coastline of San Diego. The artwork consists of suspended laser-cut stainless steel panels with embedded Swarovski crystals. The crystals encircle a center form of graduated strands of faceted Swarovski crystal beads, creating topographical lines representing an inverted range of hills and the reflection of land in water.

"Mountainscape"
Photo/Port of San Diego

The Marriott refurbished all guest rooms in the 25-story hotel, as well as made renovations to all public spaces including the lobby, pool area, fitness center, and a new restaurant. A 600-foot-long public promenade, Marina Walk, will provide direct access to the waterfront from Harbor Drive.

All three artwork concepts were approved by the Port’s Public Art Committee on October 15, 2015. Installation is anticipated for summer 2016.