The Bay
Work Titles: Portal (swing installation); Coral (drum installation)
Client: The Bay Conservancy & Agency LP
Location: Sarasota, FL
Services: Design, Fabrication, Installation
Date Installed: 10/2022
The Bay project consists of two different playable installations created for the Bay Conservancy’s new Bay Park in Sarasota, FL. The designs for the work were driven by community engagement that was done in the beginning phases of the park’s design development. The Urban Conga worked with Agency L&P’s overall park design to add these two playable opportunities to serve as moments of social activation along the waterfront during the construction of phase two of the park. Each installation utilizes the views, movement, and play to spark social connection along the bay walk. Both pieces become communal landmarks within the space, each uniquely relating to the surrounding context.
“Stunning, the design and fabrication of the work is on point”
The first installation is titled Portal, a swinging social bench that frames out the Sarasota Bay. The work’s flowing form frames out different views of the Sarasota Bay. When the sun begins to set due west, it will sit perfectly within the work. It also frames out a more extensive gathering space along the walkway where people can sit and come together as a larger group to either take in the sunset views or converse about the changing area. As one sits on the floating bench and stares into the water as they sway back and forth, they begin to feel like they are floating on the water. The curved design of the bench provides a variety of social seating interactions. The installation becomes a portal for people to connect with the surrounding landscape and think about our environmental impact and sea level rise that heavily impacts this area.
The second installation is titled Coral, a series of drums that can be played and sat on. The design of this work is inspired by the large number of coral reefs that reside off the Sarasota coast. Each end of the tentacles of the reef are a drum tuned to different pitches. The drums can be played with your hands like a conga drum. The smaller coral pieces become seats that can also be played. The work uses movement and sound to create a communal connection within the space. It has already become a space for spontaneous jam sessions, dance parties, and other social gatherings. Like Portals, the work focuses on connecting people to the surrounding environment and becoming more aware of their impact through utilizing play to spark open conversations on climate change.
“I have come out multiple times to just sit on the swing and escape.”
