SUBJECT:     PLAN FOR PUBLIC ART FOR THE NEW CIVIC CENTER

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT:  City-Wide

SNI:  City-Wide

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Adoption of a resolution to accept a Plan for Public Art for the New Civic Center.

 

BACKGROUND

 

The City of San José is designing a new city hall, entitled "New Civic Center," which will be the centerpiece of a seven-block district of new and existing buildings, tied together by streets, walkways, courtyards, fountains, and plazas.  The complex is to be located on the south side of East Santa Clara Street between Fourth and Sixth Streets.  The site is 4.6 acres and will include an office tower, City Council Chambers, public plazas, and parking structures.  The site was approved by the City Council in September 1999.  The project is expected to start construction in 2001 and take up to three years to build.  A public art budget of approximately $5,000,000 has been established in association with the Civic Center and associated parking garages and streetscape improvements.

 

In 1999, the Office of Cultural Affairs contracted with artist Andrew Leicester to work with the New Civic Center design and urban planning team to identify opportunities, and to make recommendations for the type and location of public art that would be appropriate for the complex, and to recommend artist and artwork selection processes.  Those recommendations were incorporated into the Public Art Master Plan that City Council adopted in spring, 2001.  Additional factors in consideration of the development of a Plan for Public Art for the New Civic Center were project budget constraints and the analysis of ways to incorporate public art to add value to the architectural program; an awareness and sensitivity of the visual elements of the immediate neighborhood; and other public artworks.

 

ANALYSIS

 

At its meeting in February 2001, the Public Art Committee reviewed the conceptual design plans for the New Civic Center and directed City staff to consider a program of both traditional and architecturally integrated artworks.  The resulting Plan calls for a prioritization of sites and resources, with the sponsorship of one or more large-scale artwork(s) to create a sense of place and a special identity of the highest priority.  Second is the creation of orienting artwork elements that connect the New Civic Center with the neighborhood.  Next priority is the establishment of a collection of two-dimensional artworks from Bay Area artists that would be installed in interior public spaces.

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

This recommendation was reviewed by the Public Art Committee, the Arts Commission, and City Council, all of which are publicly noticed meetings.

 

COORDINATION

 

This item has been coordinated with the Department of Public Works, the City Attorney’s Office, and the Budget Office.

 

COST IMPLICATIONS

 

None

 

CEQA

 

Exempt

 

 

NANCY JOHNSON

Director, Conventions, Arts and Entertainment

 

 

PLAN FOR PUBLIC ART FOR THE NEW CIVIC CENTER

 

Prepared by the Department of Conventions, Arts and Entertainment,

Office of Cultural Affairs

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

                                                                                                                        Page

 

Introduction                                                                                                         2

 

New Civic Center Design Context                                                                       3

 

Vision Statement for Public Art in the New Civic Center                                       6

 

Public Art Program Concept                                                                                6

 

Opportunities for Public Art                                                                                 7

 

Art Program Recommendations                                                                           7

Architectural Elements

Linkages/Wayfinding

Art Collection

Exhibitions and Displays

 

Program Implementation                                                                                      9

Public Art Design Criteria

Artist Selection Process

Design and Implementation Process for Water Feature/Linkages

 

Public Art Budget                                                                                                12

 

Project Timetable                                                                                                13

 

INTRODUCTION

 

The City of San José is designing a new city hall, entitled "New Civic Center," which will be the centerpiece of a seven-block district of new and existing buildings, tied together by streets, walkways, courtyards, fountains, and plazas.  The complex is to be located on the south side of East Santa Clara Street between 4th and 6th Streets.  The site is 4.6 acres and will include an office tower; City Council Chambers; public plazas; two parking structures: one on-site and one off-site; and on-site underground parking for visitors.  The site was approved by the City Council in September 1999.

 

Buildings in the surrounding seven-block district would include a new concert hall, parking garages, a rebuilt First United Methodist Church, and a rebuilt Horace Mann Elementary School.  The Joint Library (shared by the City and San José State University), the 4th and San Fernando Streets parking garage, and new and existing housing will be immediately adjacent to the district.

 

Goals of the New Civic Center are:

·        Customer-friendly design;

·        Increase public convenience: locate most City Departments together;

·        Reduce costs of leased office space;

·        Provide economic boost to the eastern edge of Downtown;

·        Provide adequate parking and maintain access to public transit; and

·        Become a visible symbol for the City.

 

Internationally renowned architect, Richard Meier, has been retained to design the new building.  His team is working in association with The Steinberg Group, a local architectural firm.

 

The City’s approach is that the New Civic Center is the community's building, and the City and its architectural consulting firms have solicited the community's participation in designing it.  A series of public meetings was held in 1999 to gather input and provide continuing information and updates.  More community meetings were scheduled during schematic and design development phases, including development of the public art components.

 

A public art budget of approximately $5,000,000 has been established as part of the New Civic Center and the associated parking garages and streetscape improvements.  The project is expected to start construction in 2001 and take up to three years to build.

 
NEW CIVIC CENTER DESIGN CONTEXT

The New San José  Civic Center
 

by Richard Meier & Partners
 
 


s
 
Urban Design Plan

San Fernando
 

Library
 
The approved urban design plan for the New Civic Center called for a large central plaza, dictating that the high-rise office tower be massed adjacent to Santa Clara Street and that a pedestrian "promenade" be maintained through the site along Fifth Street.

 

Site Plan and Massing

Council Chamber
 

5th
 

6th
 

4th
 
The design concept included consideration of features in other public buildings that have classic components of a "City Hall" or "Government Center".  These, typically, include towers, domes, rotundas, stairs and plazas, water features, atria and skylights.  The architect was also mindful of the importance of connecting the past with a visionary image of the future.

P
 
 


by Richard Meier & Partners
 

w
 

e
 

Council Chamber
 
To accommodate all these factors, the architect developed a semicircular wall opening onto a main plaza set back from Santa Clara Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Rotunda
 

Plaza
 
In the center of the site is a large circular rotunda that will serve as the main entry/atrium/lobby with building wings aligned to the wall fanning out on either side to the east and west.  The western wing is a three-story building housing the Council Chamber, public meeting rooms, retail space and staff offices.

 

Water Feature
 

19 Story Tower
 
The main entrance will be accessed from either the rotunda/lobby or from a sweeping walkway of steps arching up from the plaza to the mezzanine level.  From this level, the rotunda could open into a pre-function space off the Council Chamber.  The east wing of the facility will be 19-story tower housing City Departments and the development of a planning and permit center.

 

PLAZA LEVEL PLAN
 
Final Conceptual Design/Program Relationships

Rotunda
 

SITE PLAN
 

Santa Clara
 
From the initial massing of the components noted above, the architects refined elements into a building form.  The central feature will be a rotunda with architectural features representing a dome, which, while a more contemporary form, will be reminiscent of traditional domes of important public buildings and government centers.  This space, along with the semicircular wall encircling the site and defining the main plaza, act together to unify all components of the facility.

 

Horace Mann
 

FUMC
 

n
 

Symphony
 
The Council Chamber will be prominently located in the wing adjacent to the rotunda contiguous to the grand entrance staircases.  A single level of underground parking covers the entire site and is beneath the Council Chamber and meeting spaces to provide convenient parking to the public.

 

More public offices, such as Planning/Building/Public Works Development Center will be on the lower five floors of the tower with three levels of the counter/office space opening into an atrium and light well.  The Council and Mayor's Offices will be on the 19th floor.  On the roof will be an outdoor terrace.  The underground parking extends beneath the tower as well.

 

 

The New San José  Civic Center
 

Retail
 

Meeting Rooms
 

Ro
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Schematic Design and Costs

The concept for the New Civic Center presents a facility that will be unique and recognizable.  It will also have the presence and importance of a City Hall, which compliments the past by incorporating all of the classic features of traditional city halls in such a way as to look toward the future.  Details of materials, construction methods, and mechanical and structural systems, etc. are to be developed.

 

Vision Statement for Public Art in the New Civic Center

 

The Plan for a Public Art Program for the New Civic Center seeks to relate to and integrate art with the complex’s strong architecture; enliven the Civic Plaza and create a memorable place; establish linkages between the New Civic Center and the greater Downtown; and contribute to civic pride by serving as a showcase for regional artists.

 

PUBLIC ART PROGRAM CONCEPT

 

In 1984 City leaders, in determination that art would be a valuable contributor to support the City’s revitalization and stabilization efforts, passed a percent-for-art ordinance for an Art in Public Buildings Program (Public Art Program).  The ordinance specified that funds be provided from “eligible construction projects” for acquiring works of visual art, such as drawings, paintings, murals, sculptures, photographic or graphic arts, crafts, functional elements and artworks integrated into the physical structure of capital improvement projects.  The Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA), a division of the San José Department of Conventions, Arts and Entertainment, implements the Public Art Program.

 

The Public Art Program’s mission statement emphasizes its commitment to enhancing the appearance of the City by incorporating works of art into public places and to encouraging the use of art to commemorate the City’s rich history and ethnic diversity.

 

This Plan for Public Art for the New Civic Center recommends the best approach for the public art program, in perspective of the experience of visitors, passers-by, and everyday users of the facilities.

 

Goals for the art program at the New Civic Center are to:

·      Enrich people’s sense that the complex is a special place and one of civic pride;

·      Relate to the architecture and scale of the site;

·      Complement the site’s use; and

·      Augment the linkages to the greater Downtown.

 

In 1999, OCA contracted with Minneapolis, Minnesota artist, Andrew Leicester, to work with the Civic Center design and urban planning team to identify opportunities and make recommendations for the type and location of public art that would be appropriate for the complex and to recommend artist and artwork selection processes.  Those recommendations were incorporated into the 2000-2005 Public Art Master Plan that City Council adopted in February 2001.  Additional factors in consideration of the development of a Plan for Public Art for the New Civic Center were project budget constraints that led to the analysis of ways to incorporate public art to add value to the architectural program.  There also is considerable awareness and sensitivity of the visual elements of the immediate neighborhood, including other public artworks.

 

This Plan for Public Art for the New Civic Center calls for a prioritization of sites and resources, with the sponsorship of one or more large-scale artwork(s) to create a sense of place and a special identity being of the highest priority.  Second is the creation of orienting artwork elements and way-finding artworks that connect the New Civic Center with the neighborhood.  Next priority is the establishment of a collection of two-dimensional artworks from Bay area artists that would be installed in interior public spaces.  The Plan details commissions both large and small, for regional artists and internationally acclaimed artists.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC ART

 

The Civic Center project is currently in Design Development Phase, which is expected to be complete by the end of summer, 2001.  This is the appropriate time to incorporate artists into the work of the project’s architectural, landscape design and urban planning design teams.

 

It is recommended that the following list of opportunities be considered in priority order, with a contingency plan to alter or add sites as budget determinations are finalized:

 

·                                A water feature on the north plaza.  The water feature should be distinct and appropriate to the scale of the site.

·                                Orientation elements that link the spine along 5th Street from north to south.  Elements may be incorporated into the project’s streetscape and landscape plans.

·                                The underground parking garage access points to link visitors to the building.  This area will be many people’s introduction to the Center and, in addition to being pleasant and enriched, the artwork should be part of the way-finding program.

·                                A collection of contemporary two-dimensional artworks, such as paintings, prints, and photographs from Bay area artists, to be framed and installed in a way that creates both visual continuity and security.

·                                A water feature in the courtyard plaza.  The water feature should be pleasant, inviting, and appropriate to the scale of the site.

·                                Elevator cab interiors.

 

PUBLIC ART PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS

 

ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT

Establish a budget of $2,650,000 for a water feature.  Design, fabricate and install a unique water feature on the central plaza near Santa Clara Street.  Work with the architectural design team to integrate the fountain aesthetically into the base project. Coordinate with the design development of the mechanical systems to ensure adequate budget and structural support exist.

 

LINKAGES/WAYFINDING

Establish a budget of $1,000,000 to develop portals and orienting elements that connect the New Civic Center to the pedestrian links, including the north-south spine to the off-site parking garages and San José State University; address and enhance the experience of the visitor using the on-site parking garage and assist them with way-finding into the center.

 

ART COLLECTION

Set aside approximately $550,000 to purchase and install a group of permanent artworks that showcase the creativity of contemporary Bay area artists.  Frame the works in a consistent manner for visual continuity and security and install them in selected interior locations such as the 19 public lobbies, meeting rooms, corridors near Council chambers, major access corridors, etc.  Specific sites would be determined following a walk-through of the Center after walls are in place.  Review and coordinate with architecture team to ensure adequate infrastructure is in place.  Consider environmental and light level constraints.

 

EXHIBITIONS AND DISPLAYS

Establish a budget of $50,000 to assist in the development of civic gallery spaces.

 

Civic center/City Hall will be a public meeting place, and as such, should have a place where a dynamic, changing showcase of artwork and cultural artifacts can be displayed.  The OCA will provide professional visual art exhibition advise to the architectural design team in the development of a series of integrated display cases and/or art walls and infrastructure where works of art can be displayed, ranging from regional school children’s art to sister cities exchange exhibitions to partner programs with other cultural and educational institutions.

 

Potential locations for exhibition cases are the western side of the rotunda ramp and the corridor near the Council chambers.

 

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

 

Public Art Design Criteria

Sense of specialness

There should be a strong emphasis that the Civic Center is a grand and unique place in the City and the artwork should reflect that character.  A goal of the New Civic Center art program is to develop works that are unique and distinct to specific sites and their programmatic uses.

 

Balance

There should be a balance between permanent architecture elements and portable discreet works of artwork, between large scale and more intimately sized works, and there should be opportunities for both regional and national artists.  The intent is to coordinate the dialogue between the architecture, the artwork, the visual art exhibits and the public who will experience the art.

 

Budget/Schedule

Serious consideration should be given to management of the budget and the schedule with the intention of maintaining the highest level of quality and the greatest sense of impact.

 

Given the use of the site, the budget and the schedule, the Plan recommends that public art funding from the City Hall be combined with public art funding from associated on-site and off-site parking garages into one project fund, thereby increasing the impact.

 

Maintenance/Feasibility

Artworks commissioned and purchased for the New Civic Center will become part of the City’s Public Art Collection.  Proposed artworks will be reviewed for both aesthetic and technical considerations and artists will be required to provide maintenance instructions for their works.  The Civic Center art collection will be routinely evaluated by the Office of Cultural Affairs and will be included in the maintenance schedule of the civic center.

 

Artists Selection Process

1.      Water Feature

·        Create a short list of qualified artists to participate in limited competition: suggestions from OCA, the architect, and the Arts Commission;

·        Notify selected artists: solicit biographical information and slides;

·        Convene 5-7 member selection panel to review slides of artists; panel composition to include members of the community, the architect, artists/arts professionals to elect up to three finalists and makes recommendation to Arts Commission;

·        Staff checks references, submits materials to the Arts Commission for consideration of a recommendation to City Council;

·        City Council approval of selected artist’s design contract.

 

2.      Streetscape/Linkage Elements

·        OCA develop a short list and present the names to the Public Art Committee for a recommendation to the Arts Commission for their review and recommendation to City Council;

·        Submit recommended artist to City Council for approval of design contract.

 

3.      Artwork Collection

·        Determine appropriate size and environmental restrictions and conditions after design development is complete;

·        Release regionally advertised Calls for Artwork to elicit slides of actual works of art;

·        Create 5-7 member artist selection panel that represents the broad community who will live with and work with the artworks, including artists, arts professionals, an art conservator, members of the community at-large, City employees;

·        Select artworks from slides; notify artists to submit actual works;

·        Re-convene panel to select final artworks for purchase;

·        Submit materials to the Arts Commission for consideration of a recommendation to City Council.

 

Artwork Design and Implementation Process for Water Feature and Streetscape Elements

 

The artists will work independently from each other, but in collaboration with the architect Richard Meier, the project design team, and the Redevelopment Agency’s streetscape and designers and urban planners.  Collaboration will include coordination of community outreach and incorporation of public feedback.

 

Concept Development

Artists will begin with an orientation process to include a half-day workshop with the architect, landscape architects, and urban planners to introduce the artists to the project; review the context of their design work; and, to initiate the design process.  Expected outcome of the workshop will be shared directions toward the project, and a focused sense of scope of work for the individual artists.

 

The workshop will include a presentation by key personnel from the Department of Public Works, the architect, the general contractor, the artists, and the Office of Cultural Affairs.  Included in the presentations will be an overview of the project scope, timetable, budget, a progress report, and review of key milestones.  Following the workshop, artists will tour the site and general vicinity.

 

Artists scope of work will include attendance at the workshop to familiarize themselves with the project, the site and the public art program, and to meet the design team and the other artist.  Following the initial orientation, the artists will prepare conceptual ideas consisting of drawings, sketches, maquettes and/or descriptive statements.  Artist’s materials will be sufficient to determine the character and approach of the proposed conceptual ideas.  Concepts and design alternatives will be presented to the OCA staff and to the design team for review and comment.

 

Schematic Design

Following feedback from the OCA and the design team regarding concepts, the artists will further develop their ideas and will present one more developed scheme to the Public Art Committee of the San José Arts Commission for aesthetic approval.  Following the PAC approval of the schematic design, the artists will, in collaboration with the project design team, further develop their public art proposals and prepare detailed designs.  The artist’s designs shall include sufficient detail to clearly illustrate the character and scale of their proposal, the materials, and proposed construction methods, as well as the construction methodology.   Artists will prepare design details that can be incorporated into the architect’s construction document drawings.

 

Construction, Fabrication, Installation

The City will release funds for construction and fabrication to the artist following approval of conceptual, schematic and development phases.  Following approval by the Public Art Committee of these phases, the design will be presented to the Arts Commission for review and recommendation to City Council for their consideration.  City Council will, at that time, approve agreements for fabrication and installation of the artwork(s).

 

 

 

PUBLIC ART BUDGET

 

 

Total Public Art Budget:                                                                                $5,000,000

Project Administration                                                                               750,000

Artwork Budget                                                                                                 4,250,000

 

 

BUDGET ALLOCATIONS

 

Water Feature/Fountain                                                                                    $2,650,000

 

Artist’s Conceptual, Design and Construction Document Fees                    390,000

Artwork Fabrication and Installation                                                                    2,035,000

Contingency: unforeseen conditions                                                                        225,000

 

Orienting Streetscape/Linkage Elements                                                            $1,000,000

 

Artist’s Conceptual, Design and Construction Document Fees                    100,000

Artwork Fabrication and Installation                                                                       815,000

Contingency: unforeseen conditions                                                                          85,000

 

Bay Area Art Collection                                                                                      $550,000

 

Purchase Fees                                                                                                      450,000

Artwork Framing and Installation                                                                             80,000

Contingency: unforeseen conditions                                                                          20,000

 

Civic Gallery

 

Visual Art installation consultant fees                                                          $50,000

 

Project Administration                                                                             $750,000

 

Art Selection Panels, oversight panels, permits, inspection fees,

informational plaques, documentation, special consultants, staffing;

project management and coordination.

 

 

 

PROJECT TIMETABLE

 

The Public Art Program can take advantage of the upcoming design development and construction documentation phases to integrate the architectural artworks into the structural, mechanical and electrical systems.  The following timetable for coordinating with the base project schedule enables interfaces with the complex’s design-build team and increases the impact of the art program:

 

 

Arts Commission approval of Plan for Public Art for Civic Center                      April 2001

City Council review and approval of Art Plan                                        June 2001

 

Water Feature/Fountain

Artist Selection                                                                         July, 2001

            Conceptual Design                                                                                Fall, 2001

            Design Development/construction documentation                                   Winter, 2001

            Commence construction                                                                        Fall, 2002

            Project completion                                                                                2004

 

Orienting Streetscape/Linkage Elements

Artist Selection                                                                         Spring, 2001

            Conceptual Design                                                                                Summer, 2001

            Design Development/construction documentation                                   Winter, 2001

            Commence construction                                                                        Fall, 2002

            Project completion                                                                                2004

 

Bay Area Artwork Collection

            Call for Artists                                                                                      Fall, 2004

            Artwork Selection                                                                                Spring, 2005

            Framing and installation                                                             2004

 

Civic Gallery Design Development

            Call for Proposals from qualified consultants                                          Summer, 2001

            Design development/construction document review                                Spring 2002

            Installation oversight review                                                                   2004

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View of the Plaza from Santa Clara Street