You are invited to comment on three public art proposals created for Boise City Hall Plaza. Public comments will be collected from May 22th – June 1st. All public comments will be compiled and shared with decision makers. *As of June 2, comments are no longer being accepted.
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BUSTER SIMPSON
Seattle, Washington
Boise Water Table
VIEW PROPOSAL
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MATTHEW GELLER
New York City, NY
Formosa (working title)
VIEW PROPOSAL
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REsite + SWA
Houston, Texas
Revealing The Source
VIEW PROPOSAL
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Boise City’s public collection of over ninety works can be found on downtown plazas and streets and in public facilities such as City Hall, Boise Airport, parks and Public Library branches. 1.4% of all eligible Boise City capital projects are set aside to invest in site-specific artwork, with all artworks chosen through a democratic selection process. Public art invigorates residential and commercial zones, developing new places of beauty and interest and adding to civic vitality.
For Questions on this and other public artworks in Boise, Idaho please contact Karen Bubb, kbubb@cityofboise.org)
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Excellent proposals! I am not finding any information about the artists in the proposals and would like to know what their connection to the area is (whether from here, spent time here, etc.). Tapping into local talent can be difficult at times, however I would prefer local/regional artists be chosen since funds are partially available due to local tax dollars.
Simpson’s piece is visually interesting and is set apart from many other public art pieces in Boise; one of the reasons why I am drawn to it. One drawback I can anticipate is debris collecting within the bowl (as well as coins people tend to throw into fountains). So I would make sure the city pay close attention to maintenance. I love the idea of LEDs that change color, undoubtedly to be a great feature at night for passers by. Seating seems awkward and may not appear to be too inviting and I see potential for ALOT of flying debris to roll into it.
Gellar’s aesthetic form is definitely a far cry from any other water feature in Boise and invites the daring passer by to sit underneath it. It’s a very interesting piece but I see potential for it to lose much of its attention during the winter months, unless it remains lit by the proposed LEDs.
“Revealing the Source” is my favorite work. I very much am impressed with the focus on local materials and concepts and can see the audience connecting to this piece alot more than the other two. Visually, it’s simple and striking. It doesn’t push the envelope in terms of looking like modern art, however the illusion of elevating rocks does push that envelope and creates a stimulating feast for the senses. This piece would definitely draw me in to explore. I vote this as the winner!
Each proposal has a strength and a weakness and can perhaps take a little from each other. However, the second proposal is my favorite for the following reasons. While a water feature is always popular, it’s the shade and protection from the weather that is really appreciated in this piece. A misting element would be popular in the summer and the canopy makes for a great meeting place in the winter. Although the grove fountain provides plenty of water, it’s the surrounding trees that people tend to stay near. Also the sound of the water hitting the pane is a great way to include extra senses. The only drawback it the lack of texture, but that is also beautiful in it’s own way. All three are winners, but it’s the Formosa that would be the greatest asset.
Matthew Geller’s work is the most intriguing of the three because it better integrates the art with a usable outdoor space that beautifies as well as encourages social engagement.
Revealing the Source is by far my favorite piece. I like the use of local stones in the work. Excellent work that makes you go “woah, that’s cool!.”
I find “Revealing The Source” most compelling as it sources many materials and ideas from Idaho. I think it the most visually appealing of the three as well.
Three interesting proposals — but the one titled “Revealing the Source” is radically different from the other two … it looks like the stones are just floating on top of the water jets. Amazing. And at night it will be spectacular! It’s very different — and it will be very attractive. It may cost more than the others (it’s more complex than the other two submissions), but go for it. The “Revealing the Source” fountain bridges a gap between the purely practical and the purely artistic. Your choice will be difficult, but go for the one that will most affect you in a very basic way. And, in my opinion, that is the “Revealing the Source” proposal.
Although all three proposals are visually interesting, only Revealing the Source integrates local material and environment with the metaphorical. Water Table is an interesting concept but lacks the timeless geological connection of materials and visual power and movement provided by Revealing the Source. Formosa is visually interesting, providing movement and power, but again is missing that integration of material and environment. Revealing the Source combines the motion, explosion-power and the timeless geological sources in a truly integrative design.
While all three proposals are interesting, I thought Revealing the Source was one of the most unique designs I’ve ever seen. Love the imagination shown in this design and think visitors would appreciate a water feature that is so out of the ordinary. Choose this one!
What different ideas!
Sorry, but the first entry by Buster Simpson made me think of “Alice’s Tea Party”.
The second entry, “Formosa” is very different. It looks as if there is no fountain pool at all, and the fountain itself has a kind of mushroom look to it
The third entry, “Revealing the Source” is the most amazing of the three concepts.
I love the way the designers have pulled the native materials from the surrounding local and infused them into the base of the fountain pool. The geiser effect is also a great representation of the geothermal waters beneath the surface of the city of Boise. It really displays the assets that have always been here, and actually represents the city quite well.
If the city planners are looking for a unique centerpiece that will draw visitors and local neighbors alike, then this is the design they should choose! It will be a “MUST SEE” for the citizens of Boise!
While all of the submissions have merit, the project “Revealing the Source” is perhaps the most thought provoking, exciting and locally relevant. This is the only project that accomplishes satisfies multiple layers of public art, from the simple program of being pleasant and relaxing to experience, to creating a unique and interpretive “place”, to compelling wonder in both children and adults. “Revealing the Stone” is a very rich concept that stands apart from the other submissions because it is truly unique and site specific, while the others look like they could be placed in any city at any public location.
Revealing The Source
This design is intriguing. It is thought provoking. It is powerful. I would want to see it many times and each time it would allow my imagination to explore what the creators of this design had in mind because this design encompasses so much food for thought. Rocks, which have so much meaning and beauty, yet so unexplored. I love it.
Both Formosa and Revealing The Source are good choices. I would have to give the edge to Formosa as it seems more unique.
Revealing The Source is by far the most interesting and attractive design.
IMO the Water Table proposal would be the best fit in the downtown core
Oops, meant to select the second proposal by Geller which I believe is the Formosa
REsite + SWA: Revealing The Source
I love this as I do many of their designs. It begs you to ask the question: How did they do that? It integrates geology with local culture while connecting fun with contemplation. If I got to see it, I would never let me forget it and would tell others to go experience this wonderful space for themselves.
Good Luck to REsite + SWA.
I always look forward to seeing their work come to life.
“Revealing the source” is my favorite. Uses local resources and really depicts what we like about Boise and Idaho, rugged, individuality, wise use of our resources and strength.
formosa looks the best, do not under any circumstances let it be called formosa, there would be to many reprocussions. it will also be the hardest and most expenive to maintain. water table looks like what is there now. the third one will not work out.
try a sand box
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I find “Revealing the Source ” the most interesting submission. It definitely provides a “wow” factor. I love the use of local elements. People will wonder “how did they do that?”
Formosa….wonderful and completely different! Tthe Water Table looks like teacups. Revealing the Source looks like an explosion just happened and is blasting bolders into the air.
Revealing the Source pushes the envelope – and is by far the most interesting and compelling choice. The use of local materials, concept of geothermal forces, and creativity combine to form an art piece that will attract visitors and enhance the City Hall Plaza in a way the other options do not. It will also be beautiful in daylight as well as at night.
These are all good proposals but the one I that stands out is “Revealing The Source”. It would be a great place to meet. I can see people going there just to take pictures. I think it’s the most interesting in the daylight and night.
They are all great works of art but..Formosa, by Matthew Geller, has a calmness and serenity that
welcomes you to come and sit and share.
I think Formosa is magical; the visitor becomes part of the artwork and visually it’s beautiful. It would be a place people would be drawn to; a natural gathering place.
Revealing the Source looks like something in a theme park or Disneyland! Plus it looks like it could be dangerous. Buster Simpson is too inorganic and doesn’t seem to integrate with the surroundings; it looks like it would not age well.
‘Revealing the Source’ is the most unique idea that makes this a clear choice for Boise since it is most connected to the roots of the landscape and local identity through the story it tells and the use of local materials. The other proposals are fine, but could really be located anywhere in my opinion…
I love Revealing The Source. It is so unique that I am sure I would never forget it. I can only imagine how fantastic it would look at night.
All proposals are strong and visually interesting. I am torn between Formosa and Revealing the Source.
Revealing the Source has advantages due to the fact that the artists are taking natural stones from the Idaho environment and creating major “wow” factor with the elevated rock component. It is exactly the same fact that they are using natural resources that I don’t like it. We are blessed in Boise to have those types of experiences right out our doorsteps, plus the Court House already has a water and rock public art feature.
Formosa on the other hand is unique in that we do not have any public art even similar to it in Boise. Plus the fact that it provides shade AND has a fraternal twin that also provides shade is great! It will especially be nice during those hot summer months. What I also enjoy about this/these sculptures is the fact that the seating area is very original. The other two proposals essentially have a one ring type of seating where most users would sit facing outward away from the sculpture. Formosa on the other hand provides opportunities to sit toward the sculpture, outward from the sculpture and to sit across from other users. To me, this seems that it will easily facilitate more opportunities for conversation and for users to feel comfortable sitting by the fountain(s) in the first place.
Overall, Formosa is the winner for me!
Levitating rocks?! This is sure to capture the attention and wonder of passersby. I felt a bit like I was learning a magician’s trick reading the proposal. I hope you choose this one!
Come on… “Revealing The Source” is the most outstanding option! I bet people will remember Boise because of this fountain.
Geller’s design provides a fun inviting space for people to gather, with whimsy added.
More than anything I do not like “Boise Water Table.” It seems synthetic and more at home somewhere like Roaring Springs Water park than Downtown Boise.
“Revealing the Source” may seem like an obvious choice, speaking to Boise’s mix of Urban and Outdoorsy elements, but I think this is a theme that has become tired with Boise’s current population and belongs more in our tourism ads.
The most dynamic and best choice is “Formosa.” “Formosa” establishes itself as a true civic centerpiece and is representative of Boise’s evolving culture. Beautiful in form and concept this proposal uses colored LEDs to becomes a symbol of unity as we all progress through the seasons and holidays in our shared space. Imagine the corner bathed in diffused orange light on Halloween, or a cool blue at winter. It is an effect that is instantly engaging, convincing the viewer to think of the collective city, what we all go through and share; as opposed to “Revealing the Source” which may just spark the notion that floating rocks are neat.
All interesting. Revealing the Source is the most dramatic. My only question is: where are the Idaho artists? What will be the local economic stimulus of the project? Public art is (generally) a good investment; it is an even better investment when the dollars spent circulate locally instead of traveling through a virtual pipe to another city.
The artist renderings for all are terrific. I would be drawn to check them out visiting the plaza. Formosa’s seems to match the request best. Formosa provides a unique gathering place, and a visual icon with whimsical intelligence! My vote is for Formosa.
Formosa creates a welcoming, calm and beautiful space – I love the idea of being able to look up to see the streams of water flowing. The entire concept is unique and stunning.
I think Revealing the Source is stunningly beautiful. The concept takes into consideration the nuances of Boise and its surronding natural landscape. It will engage all ages. My only concern is the size of the levitating boulders. According to the “Structural Approach” #2, the elevated stone is 6″ high?? The image shows a greater stone thickness- which I think adds to the drama. 6″ high stone floating will be a totally different experience than what is shown. I hope that the selection panel will address this and make sure that the reality matches the image.
Congratulations on selecting three excellent proposals. I particularly like Formosa for its added feature of allowing pedestrians to literally immerse themselves into the art. The exhilarating feeling of being under a waterfall is what people will experience with Formosa.
“Revealing the Source” gets my vote! It’s so creative and eye-catching — it’s sure to get countless visitors! The city would be well-served by this whimsical, exciting addition to the landscape.
I like Revealing the Source the best. I like its references back to Idaho’s natural landscape and how it imaginatively creates links between the organic world and human technology.
Honestly, the first two just look like they would quickly come to be regarded as eyesores while the Resite+SWA proposal has a timeless appeal that won’t look dated in 20 (or 50) years.
Formosa is a very interesting piece, very futuristic. However, being a girl of nature, “Revealing the Source” caught my eye. In my opinion, of the three, it’s the best example of art. I picked “Revealing the Source” as my favorite before reading the proposals or the names of the artists, and was pleased to find out that my cousin-in-law actually designed it! Whatever the outcome, Boise will soon have a new piece of public art to enjoy!
I really like Revealing The Source. The overall feel is ethereal and the play of rock floating above like a cloud is clever and fun.
“Revealing the Source” is my favorite. It is a smart, eye-catching exhibit.
I most appreciate Revealing the Source, though like many of the other commenters, I’d prefer to see local artists’ work featured. Also, I’m curious what these fountains will look like in the winter, when fountains tend to be turned off.
The third proposal Revealing the Source is the most unusual and interesting. It is modern but also draws on Idaho features of nature, rock, and water.
I can’t wait to see it in place!
ps Thankyou for addressing the public art on the City Hall plaza. This will be a HUGE improvement.
The 1st and 3rd entries would look more at home in an amusement park. Besides, we already have fountains in downtown that feature shooting jets & large rocks. Go for something different!
Formosa is truly a work of art and would blend in better with the simple, more modern lines of the City Hall building. Along with the trellis version on the other end of the block, it would create a beautiful, cohesive plaza!
“Revealing the Source” is the best water feature of the three options. Don’t over look option four: no change to the existing water feature is also a great idea.
I vote for the design by Matthew Geller. It looks so cool and refreshing to be able to actually sit UNDER the water spout!
I also liked the boulder display, but I know kids would not be able to resist running under the jets holding up the boulders – what if the interrupted water stream caused the boulder to drop – onto the heads of the kids underneath?
“Revealing the Source” is the best design for City Hall Plaza. It is the design that is really appropriate to the space and to the city, very modern yet integrated with the natural landscape. Of of the three designs, it is the only one that could become a landmark for the city of Boise, that would be frequently photographed and visited. The other two designs are attractive, but they are better suited to an office park or business district in any number of cities. “Revealing the Source” seems to emerge naturally from the landscape, as if it has always been in the center of City Hall Plaza and we are only just unveiling it now!
I would love to see Revealing the Source on the plaza. It’s design is inspiring and evokes our intentions as a community to keep improving ourselves and our City.
Revealing the Source is very appealing and gets my recommendation.
proposal #1 – a little to urban and I do not feel a connection to the community which is usually represented by the river (Grove Hotel) or trees or the foothills. No my preference.
proposal #2 – very cool, I see a tree – a water tree! I’m not sure how functional that will be downtown with the water blowing/misting off the art piece onto pedestrians. At least it is warm water, right?
Proposal #3 – boulders? Nothing about a pile of rocks says “Boise” to me. It does however say “government is the heavy”. Maybe if the rocks were arranged to look like “Stack Rock” or a cairn or … something Boise.
I’m sure these artists did their homework but I just don’t see anything in any of these that says “this is Boise – welcome”. I also don’t see any relationship to the geothermal water. All of these are just fountains. As someone who is downtown all the time, I’d like to see a design that encourages folks to come to this point (destination), admire it, and hang out for awhile. This should be a pocket park, a gathering spot, a destination, something noteworthy for the tourist guide books.
Formosa – definitely! AND several of its fraternal twins. Definitely!
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on these proposals. “Revealing the Source,” is our favorite because of its uniqueness and whimsy.
Of the three designs, the most pleasing is Revealing the source.That said I think that the city spending $100,000 plus for unnecessary projects such as remodeling the fountain is wrong. There are many more needed things with so many out of work and losing homes and just needing food and shelter. They could have waited until better times for the whole remodeling of the city hall ! Instead they chose to just raise our taxes !!
MATTHEW GELLER New York City, NY Formosa (working title) – I LOVE this one and it would be a fabulous addition to our great city.
I vote for the one by the Boise artist. Oh, wait there isn’t one…
My preference of the three selections is Formosa. It looks unique and refreshing.
I like the one by Buster Simpson best. Boise Water Table is clean, simple, and will stand the test of time. The other two proposals look too trendy and heavy and will look strange next to the City Hall building which has a more traditional architectural design.
They’re all beautiful and worthy of City Hall plaza.
Water Table’s forms are very appealing as is the variety of ways the water is handled. It is the only proposal that claims the structure can function in the winter, allowing ice formations. This is important as that’s a big chunk of the year. Unfortunately the piece sits kind of low, I fear it would get lost visually. Also, the geothermal seat is great for winter, but could we also get cool water through it for 108 degree summer days? Or have it made from a material that does not absorb/retain the sun’s heat.
Formosa’s most appealing aspects are the shade and the variety of ways the seating can be utilized, but a close second is the thought of sitting under cascading water with resulting sounds and movement of the dappled light underneath… very calming and refreshing on a hot summer day. The only drawback is the somewhat sterile design, though in a way this lets the water speak, rather than the structure itself. The artist included a drawing of how the piece looks without the water. It would still look ok in the winter assuming the water would need to be turned off. This is my top pick for a place to sit and visit with friends.
I have a visceral attraction to Revealing the Source. Most of us in the valley are nature lovers. Who could resist such a sculpture? I want to hang out there. Until I realize that in the summer the stones would be much too hot to actually sit on. What would bump this to the top for me would be the addition of some kind of shading device, though perhaps the misting would suffice? The artist’s assurances notwithstanding, I also worry VERY MUCH about the weight of the piece. I imagine all the boulders would have to be hollow to make this a reality as shown in the rendering. This piece would lose much of it’s impact with smaller looking rocks. People seem to be responding to the drama of the piece which of course would be lessened with smaller rocks. It would also lose much of it’s appeal in the winter, seeing stones sitting atop metal posts.
Revealing The Source is a wonderful piece and something that I’d love to show off to guests from out of town.
Revealing the Source looks the least like a traditional fountain and more like a naturally occurring phenomenon of nature. This is what public art is supposed to do…cause an emotional response and create a peaceful escape where people can gather and congregate. It gets my vote for most original concept and most appealing public space.
“Revealing the Stone” is by far my favorite. It has a nice wow factor and people might actually make a trip to come see it, kids will love it, and it’s a nice usable public feature – providing a place to sit for a little and relax and enjoy a light water droplet breeze. The other two proposals hide the water too much, this one fully embraces it.
And props to Boise for investing into public art, it’s so important to continue supporting public places and revitalizing our downtowns.
I vote for Revealing the Source. It is by far the best choice of the three designs up for comment. It’s visually appearing and they most interesting of the three.
“Revealing the Source” is the best!
I like the second concept the best–I like the idea of seating beneath a watery canopy. The physics of this would be awesome! (And, no, I don’t mean the illusions created, but the actualy physics of the water’s play along the entire piece!)
I find “Revealing The Source” most reflective of Idaho, which to me is the most important element.
“Revealing the Source” makes the best use of local materials, fits the local aesthetic, and has the biggest visual impact. “Revealing the Source” also has an element of wonder as viewers wonder how the effect was created. The design makes me think of the creation of geothermal features in places like Yellowstone National Park, where the water bursts from the earth, taking rocks, dirt and plant life with it. I vote for “Revealing the Source.”
However, perhaps Boise State could find a place for “Formosa”? Or, if we ever get a new convention center, this kind of sculpture would be great there, because it would provide a place to congregate and enjoy the outdoors. The Central Bench could use a nice place to congregate, as well, but I expect that’s a topic for a different day.
Great work on all three of the submissions.
While I like all the pieces, the third–”Revealing The Source” most inspires my imagination. I recall a fountain near Arapaho Street off the 16th street mall in Denver, where kids often climb over stones with their parents looking on. Revealing The Source uses similar materials, but brings a new twist to the old idea of a fountain–literally flipping the traditional fount on it’s head. As a photographer, I often think of the juxtaposition of elements and what they represent. For me the stones in Revealing The Source represent the community, and the water represents the spirit of middle America; or in the metaphysical sense: the stones are the will and the water the spirit.
Revealing The Source really seems like a magical vision that will inspire the imagination and draw visitors from far away–the type of monument that I would walk out of my way to see if seen from far away.
Revealing the Source is the most dynamic and creative of the three. Boise Rocks! When it comes to public art, Boise is held in high regard around the country for its strong, creative and consistent commitment to public art. Sometimes we are too close to something to truly appreciate it, but Boise should know it has a lot to be proud of. Boise’s elected leaders and its Department of Arts & History staff are to be commended for your vision to so thoughtfully integrate public art into the fabric of your community’s life, especially in times of fiscal constraint when municipal resources are so limited. Placing a work of this striking magnitude at your City Hall makes a very strong statement about that vision.
Love “revealing the source”!
Revealing the Source is a highly original artwork that Boise would be proud of. The others are nice but it seems like of seem similar works in other places
My vote is for the Formosa design. To me, the City of Trees, should have a fountain that looks like a tree at City Hall. I would like the LED lights to show bolder colors and perhaps rotate colors in the evening. I have solar lights that are in my yard that light up at night and are constantly changing colors. I find it very beautiful and intriguing. All the designs are incredible and whichever design is chosen will add a lot to City Hall.
I think that our waterfall is just fine for the time. Our economy is still all over the place, we don’t need to be spending any money on a waterfall when there are plenty of other things to be spending our money on. So You should all be voting for the original design.
I like both Revealing the Source and Formosa. Revealing the Source seems to portray our use of geothermal technology, but doesn’t seem to fit our growing urban and artsy feel downtown. I think Formosa has a genuinely unique take on a fountain. I also love the fact that it incorporates the area below it. It would be so much fun to sit under the fountain on a sunny day and see the reflections playing on the ground. Art both above and below you!
I favor Matthew Geller’s design.
Hands down, “Revealing the Source” is the best.
I love Geller’s “Formosa.” It’s a tree, it’s a table, it’s a fountain. A great place to retreat and experience the water and sound from a different point of view.