A 14 ton steel sculpture that re-uses salvaged steel scaffolding elements while celebrating the work of steel fabricators.

This public art project re-uses four steel armature cages that were originally fabricated with the sole purpose of temporarily holding in place precast concrete cladding elements while they were installed on the iconic “W” columns that support Skanska’s 2+U tower in downtown Seattle. Working in collaboration with Skanska’s project manager and special projects division, the project team sought to create a sculpture using only the steel of the original cages. Arthropod will be an iconic, permanent art installation that celebrates the craft of steelworkers typically concealed once construction is completed, while alluding to the importance of conservation of energy and materials.

Public art installation, Downtown Seattle 2+U Tower public plaza, 2nd & Union, Seattle, WA, Installation anticipated Summer 2021
Project Team: Robert Hutchison, Michelle Hook
Client: Skanska, Project Manager: Stewart Germain
Lighting Consultant: Lucrecia Blanco, Blanca Lighting Design