I was approached to create concepts for a new monument for Spokane's Riverfront Park. The monument's purpose is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the park as well as the 1974 World Expo which opened the park.
The original design incorporated colors used in Expo 74':
The idea was to take design elements from wayfinding signs which were used during the Expo. These signs were removed after the Expo, and lost to time.
The image on the left is an example of the wayfinding signs used at the Expo. I recreated the shape of the signage, using all the photos from the Expo I could find. I used some artistic license in the size and shape of the monument; I wasn't trying to recreate it exactly, it was more an homage, a reference. I also designed the monument to be around 20% larger than the original wayfinding signs since there would only be one created for the park.
I took the shape of the monument and repurposed it, it's not used as a wayfinding sign in this application. Riverfront park has newly installed wayfinding signs, so using this monument for wayfinding would be redundant.
General dimensions:
The monument would be covered with printed graphics, with information about the park, the Expo, and Spokane's history.
I had an idea of printed graphics on clear acrylic which would be mounted on standoffs. These acrylic panels could be removed and replaced with other graphics, for seasonal events, or other designs.
Visualization showing how the acrylic panels mount to the monument:
Animated visualization:
Additionally, I created a concept for a bronze sculpture of King Cole, a big player in making Riverfront Park a reality. I utilized a photo-scan 3D model, adjusted the pose, and added King Cole's face:
The sculpture would be installed with a foot placed on existing park benches – with his gaze focused on the new monument.
The bronze sculpture idea was archived for potential future use.
A change of graphics
We decided that instead of emulating colors from the fair (yellow & red), we would incorporate current brand standards of the park.
Two-dimensional view of the graphics I designed:
Building the monument
I worked with Mandere Construction based out of North Idaho to make the structure a reality. My drawings and dimensions were sent to engineers to ensure tensile strength, wind speeds, etc. would be met, ensuring the structure would be stable.
Creating the structure
Mandere Construction worked fast to ensure the monument would be ready for the 50th anniversary Expo celebration.
Printing the graphics
I chose Global Signs & Graphics to print, and install the graphics on the monument. The timeline on this project was very tight; they worked very hard to make sure it became a reality. Colors needed to match the existing branding of the park - once printed - the colors matched perfectly.
The vinyl was printed in panels and prepared for installation. Graphics being printed on a large format printer:
Installation of graphics
I chose local artist, manufacturer, and installer Chris Komski to be responsible for the installation of graphics. I've worked with him previously on multiple projects - I knew he would be perfect for this job.
Matching panels together to ensure there are no seams, heating the vinyl with a blowtorch to improve adhesion, and making sure there are no bubbles in the vinyl are just a few responsibilities the installer must accomplish.
The finished product
I was interviewed by the Spokesman Review and KHQ about the project.
It was such a great project, one I worked on for well over a year. We met the deadline and had a complete, installed monument for the park in time for the celebration.