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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]

KIMSEY GROVE

The Kimsey Grove is a sculptural shade canopy that fosters pedestrian interactions and establishes a dynamic focal point for the site. While the artwork evokes the orange groves that previously grew on the site, it also references the pleated geometries of the saguaro cactus and colorful desert flower blooms. It creates a dramatic backdrop for pedestrians to gather, sit and view the play of light, shadow, and reflectivity from many vantage points. The artwork’s faceted skin is meant to inspire interactions and playfulness by both adults and children who might enjoy spending time underneath the artwork’s kaleidoscopic skin. The artwork is supported by four vaults to create an open and varied space for people to experience during the day and night.

Date: In Progress

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

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, Sam Higgwe, Eve Tobey.

Structural engineer: endrestudio

COSMOS

Cosmos is a dynamic shade canopy that fosters pedestrian interactions and establishes a lively collective focal point for the Intuitive Surgical campus. By supporting the artwork with a single cluster of arches, Cosmos creates an open, shaded and inviting space for people to fluidly move through on a daily basis. It also creates a dramatic backdrop for visitors and employees to congregate, sit and view the play of shadow and light from many vantage points. The faceted origami-like surfaces of the artwork are also meant to inspire spontaneous interactions and playfulness by both adults and children who might enjoy spending time underneath the artwork’s intricate organic structure and kaleidoscopic skin.

The geometry of the artwork is an exploration in translating mathematical principles into physical form. The Fibonacci Sequence informs the specific algorithm underlying the three-dimensional structure and skin of the artwork. While the form of the artwork would be fixed, the play of light, reflection and color would change throughout the day and season. The site specific installation invites visitors to experience the interplay of pattern, light, art and science in a way that is both playful and contemplative.

Date: 2021
Location: Sunnyvale, California (Map Link)
Lead Artists: Jason Kelly Johnson & Nataly Gattegno
Team: Jason Kelly Johnson & Nataly Gattegno, with Brian McKinney, Carlos Sabogal, Natalie Abbott
Consultants: Arup, Nick Sherrow-Groves, Felix Weber; Fabricators: Futureforms with NJ McClutcheon; Art Consultant: Mary Hannah, Kay Hannah Associates; Kelly Roberson, Lightswitch

Photography: Matthew Millman

Update: The project is open to the public! Due to Covid restrictions we are unsure if there will ever be an official opening. Check back here for updates and new photographs coming soon!