“Our proposal, LOOP, for the City of Norfolk St. Paul’s Area Transformation envisions a next generation public art environment that merges community, technology, and human connection into a singular sculptural experience. The installation is conceived as a dynamic landmark for the future of St. Paul’s, an immersive public artwork that transforms everyday gathering into a shared civic experience while symbolizing movement, unity, and the continuous evolution of the community.
Developed through advanced computational design, algorithmic workflows, and innovative digital fabrication methodologies, the sculptural form is inspired by the idea of a continuous loop, a seamless and fluid geometry representing connectivity, family, shared energy, and the infinite potential of creating the future. The flowing form embodies motion and transformation, generating a futuristic presence that feels both visionary and deeply human.
Its continuous surfaces and immersive spatial openings create opportunities for sitting, lounging, gathering, play, and contemplation, allowing the artwork to function simultaneously as sculpture, social infrastructure, and community catalyst. Rather than existing as a static object, LOOP operates as an active platform for interaction and connection. The installation encourages residents, families, children, and visitors to engage with one another through movement, exploration, and shared experience, transforming the public realm into a vibrant landscape of participation, optimism, and belonging.
Inspired by the evolving energy, cultural diversity, and optimism of the St. Paul’s community, the artwork incorporates a luminous palette of expressive colors that reference Norfolk’s radiant skies, natural environment, and spirit of transformation. These bold gradients and reflective surfaces establish a strong visual identity for the neighborhood while projecting a vision of innovation, possibility, and collective future.
Creativity for LOOP emerged through our experience visiting St. Paul’s and engaging with its community, culture, energy, and sense of optimism for the future. Inspired by the strength, diversity, and human connection embedded within the neighborhood, the artwork translates these observations into a futuristic sculptural language that merges community identity with new technologies and innovative design methodologies.
The flowing form, inspired by the idea of a continuous loop, symbolizes unity, movement, resilience, and collective growth. Through the integration of artificial intelligence, computational design, and advanced digital workflows, the project explores new ways of creating public art that feels both deeply connected to the people of St. Paul’s and representative of a forward looking future.
Using new methods of make such as robotic milling and advanced fabrication technologies, LOOP transforms cultural inspiration into an immersive public experience that celebrates creativity, innovation, optimism, and the evolving future of the community.”
The use of Fiberglass with a protective resin coating in play structures offers enhanced durability and safety, making it an ideal choice for outdoor recreational environments. Fiberglass, already known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, becomes even more resilient when combined with a protective resin coating. This coating provides an additional layer of protection against environmental stressors such as UV radiation, moisture, and temperature extremes. The resin coating also enhances the material’s resistance to impacts and abrasions, ensuring that the play structures can withstand the rigors of active play and harsh weather conditions without deteriorating. This combination allows for the creation of vibrant, intricate designs that remain intact and visually appealing over time. The interior of the artwork will be constructed out of a stainless-steel frame. In terms of maintenance, Fiberglass play structures with a protective resin coating are exceptionally low-maintenance.
The smooth, non-porous surface of the resin-coated Fiberglass prevents the accumulation of dirt, mold, and mildew, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. When cleaning is necessary, a simple wash with mild soap and water is usually sufFicient to restore the structures to their original condition. Additionally, the protective resin coating minimizes the risk of scratches and chips, and any minor damage that does occur can be easily repaired with readily available repair kits. This ease of maintenance, coupled with the material’s long-lasting durability, makes Fiberglass with a protective resin coating a practical and cost-effective solution for creating safe, engaging, and enduring play environments for children.
The artwork will be fully engineered by a registered structural engineer who will also design the concrete foundation upon which the piece will be affixed. We will work closely with the experience hub design team in regard to lighting the artwork and ground gravel surface treatment.
