Phoenix Rising
My vision for the Coeur d’Alene Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility is to create a "Phoenix Rising." The Phoenix, a mythical creature that represents rebirth and purity, is an apt metaphor for the treatment facility's work. The Phoenix symbolizes the remarkable process of wastewater recycling, turning what was once waste into a pristine water source. Crafted from stainless steel, incorporating textures from local trees and rocks, the sculpture will stand majestically over the biogas flare, cleverly integrating the flame into its design as the Phoenix's eternal fire of life. By transforming the biogas flare into the Phoenix’s perpetual flame, the sculpture embodies the facility's process of converting waste into clean energy and water, thus presenting an allegory of transformation that aligns with the AWTF's commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Phoenix will be 6 feet tall, made in stainless steel with highly polished edges and black patina to accentuate the textures. The artwork will be positioned on a platform above the flare with its wings spread wide as if in flight. It will be visible from the Spokane River and from both sides of the Centennial Trail. After visiting the water treatment plant, I believe that it is critical for the sculpture to be positioned over the flare, as the flare stack and the pipes coming from the control panel cannot really be seen unless you are directly looking at them. The fence that separates the facility from the trail and the wall that divides the trail in two hide these structures from most angles. The top of the flare is the only structure visible from every viewpoint.
In order to conceal the gas pipes and functional parts of the flare from bystanders, I will create a privacy screen that extends from the control panel to the stack and around the flare, covering all the less appealing parts of the biogas flare from every angle. The screen will be created using flame-like shapes in stainless steel and will complement those of the ‘Phoenix Rising’ sculpture.
To create the different parts of the ‘Phoenix Rising’, I will be using textures from trees and rocks found in proximity to the facility. Conservation is at the core of my work; my sculptures offer an artistic platform to educate viewers on the interconnectedness of the natural world and the importance of conservation. I use texture swapping to illustrate the mimicry and unity in nature by collecting molds of elements in the natural landscape to create the outer textures of my animal sculptures. For example, I made a mold of tree bark, which became the feathers on my falcon sculpture. This level of detail aims to not only capture the aesthetic essence of the falcon but also to authentically mirror its natural habitat.
After visiting the wastewater treatment plant and talking to Mike Becker, Andrew, and other staff members, I understand how important it is for them to educate people that sustainability is part of the facility's mission statement. The flare is not just burning pollutants into the environment; biogas is a byproduct of the water treatment process that is reused to heat the plant and other installations. During the cleaning process, nutrient-rich organic materials are also collected, which are not discarded but are used as fertilizer for growing pumpkins and other vegetables. To further promote this message, I would like to make a metal-plate with a QR code to hang on the fence so that bystanders can learn more about this mission.
Stainless steel is an ideal material for proximity to high temperatures due to its excellent thermal resistance and stability. The chosen grade for the phoenix sculpture will have a melting point significantly higher than the temperatures produced by the biogas flare. The intrinsic properties of stainless steel make the Phoenix sculpture low maintenance. Its resistance to corrosion, rust, and staining means that it will not require frequent cleaning or protective coatings. The durability of stainless steel is well-documented, with its strength and resistance to impact and abrasion making it an excellent choice for public art, especially for the harsh winters in Coeur D’Alene, particularly the industrial setting of the AWTF. This durability ensures the sculpture will endure for decades.
The sculpture will be created in sections for ease of transport and assembly. Each piece will be designed to bolt securely into the foundation. This modular approach eliminates the need for on-site welding, reducing installation time and complexity.
The design of the sculpture places a strong emphasis on operational access. The Phoenix will be strategically positioned, and the platform will be structured in a way that guarantees plant operators complete and unobstructed access to the flare. This ensures that they can easily perform routine maintenance or make any necessary repairs without any hindrances.
Safety is paramount, and the sculpture's design will conform to all required safety standards. The structure will be designed to bear its weight and any additional environmental loads such as wind or snow. All edges and surfaces will be finished to be safe to touch.
