ORBITAL

HOW DO WE EXPRESS OPTIMISM ABOUT THE FUTURE, WHILE ALSO REPRESENTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN THE PUBLIC REALM?

Orbital is a contemporary garden folly, exploring geometric and material exuberance. It evokes organic forms found in nature, but also giant robots and futuristic space vehicles. The structure is composed of three coiled legs that spiral towards the sky. The exterior surface is defined by stainless steel origami skins, while the interior space is wrapped by a vortex of colorful tactile shingles. Orbital’s dynamic form evokes an era of rapid change and uncertainty, while also inspiring curiosity and playful interaction.

Opening Date: December 2021
Location: Mission Bay, San Francisco, CA (Pierpoint Lane and Bridgeview Way - Map)
Lead Artists: Jason Kelly Johnson & Nataly Gattegno (Futureforms)
Artist Team: Jason Kelly Johnson, Nataly Gattegno with Carlos Sabogal, Brian McKinney, Clayton Williams, Natalie Abbott, Chris Leo, Valerie Tse; assisted by Lee Marom, Ki Schmidt, Sam Higgwe  |  Structural Engineer: Arup (Nick Sherrow-Groves, Lead)  |  Fabrication Team: Futureforms (San Francisco, CA), Olson Steel (San Leandro, CA), Seaport Stainless (Richmond, CA), Standard Sheet Metal; Skin installers: Pacific Erectors, Sheedy Crane Co.; Aluminum shingles: Neal Feay (Santa Barbara)  |  Art Consultant: Dorka Keehn

Select Photography: Matthew Millman

Hashtag: #orbitalSF

Recent Media: “Uber delivers best new public space” SF Chronicle Cover 5/4/21 [PDF Link]