Bronze Fine Arts and Art Installation Design · 2022
Pride Of The City Public Art
by Jung-Mei Wou
- A' Design Award 2022 Bronze Winner in Fine Arts and Art Installation Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: JMW Art Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,170
- Verification code 95C472EABE · Verify this award
About Pride Of The City Public Art
Pride of the City is the Public Art in Maple Garden, the urban oasis and an ecological park in Taichung City. This work expresses the image of four birds flying upward and presents multiple images similar to trees, flowers, and birds from different angles to show the cycle of four seasons and the harmonious coexistence of all living things. This public sculpture leads the visitors to approach nature and brighten nights in Maple Garden.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Pride of the City is the Public Art in Maple Garden in Taichung City.
Maple Garden is a precious urban oasis and a distinctive ecological park in Taiwan. The green ecology of the garden provides living space for animals and plants, and it is also a place for people to relax their spirit. This sculpture with a spiritual symbol has been embodied in the public space. This work expresses the thought and sense of the beauty of the garden and to rich the culture, art, and life in Taichung City. - Dimensions & Packaging
- Work Dimension: 4300mmx2620mmx4250mm Material: Stainless Steel
- Tags
- Public Art, Sculpture, Contemporary Art, Installation Art
- Production Technology
- Made of stainless steel forging technology
- Design Challenge
- This stainless steel sculpture presents the lightness of structural mechanics and the sculptural shape that must withstand the challenges of wind load.
- Project Duration
- The project finished in November 2014 in Taichung City, Taiwan. This sculpture is a permanent piece of Public Art in Maple Garden in Taichung City.
- Operation Flow
- The work expresses the image of four birds flying upward, and it presents multiple images similar to trees, flowers, and birds from different angles to show the cycle of four seasons and the harmonious
coexistence of all living things. This work is the park's landmark that guides the entrance to visitors. The position of the public sculpture is at the center point of three cross-moving lines. Pride of the City leads
everyone to approach nature and hopes to brighten nights in Maple Garden. - Research
- The wind load influences the shape of sculpture and surfaces optimization method. Aerodynamic shape optimization has helped to reach optimum design for a sculpture while minimizing the wind load.
- Inspiration
- The oasis of cities is like a mirror to the soul. Facing the
greatness of nature, people learn to be humble. Only by being in nature can human beings be truly spiritually prosperous.
Moved by the sunlight shining on the leaves among the birds playing, the colorful flowers swaying by the lake, the changing scene of seasons being awakened in the park, this is the beautiful life in the city. - Image Credits
- Jung-Mei Wou
Colors of Pride Of The City Public Art
Design Interview about Pride Of The City Public Art
The main inspiration behind this design is the beauty of nature within an urban setting. It's inspired by the idea that cities need to have their own oasis, allowing people to connect with nature and find spiritual prosperity amidst urban life
The main focus was to create a sculpture that symbolizes the beauty of Maple Garden, enriching the culture, art, and life in Taichung City.
The future plans for this design involve preserving it as a permanent piece of public art in Taichung City.
The design concept took half a year from the initial model to the finished work.
This design was created to enhance the urban environment, commissioned, and also inspired by the need to bring the beauty of nature into the city.
It's a permanent public art piece.
The desire to create an artwork that harmonizes urban life with nature inspired this design.
The design is a unique artistic creation.
The target customer is the general public who visits Maple Garden.
What sets this design apart is its focus on integrating nature into the urban environment and providing a sense of spiritual prosperity.
The name "Pride of the City" suggests the sculpture's role as a symbol of the city's beauty and culture.
The design involved software for modeling and planning. Design tools used may include 3D modeling software, welding equipment, and aerodynamic analysis tools.
The most unique aspect is its representation of nature within the urban landscape.
This artwork is an original design created by me. It involved collaboration with skilled metal craftsmen for the construction of the large sculpture. Collaborators include experts in stainless steel forging technology.
Technology plays a role in the production process, especially in working with stainless steel forging.
The design is influenced by aerodynamic shape optimization, which helped achieve the desired aesthetics while considering wind load.
Challenges included creating a stainless steel sculpture that remains stable and lightweight.
The decision to submit it to an international design competition aimed to gain recognition and showcase the design's uniqueness.
The designer improved their skills in creating art installations within urban environments.
Art and design have the power to inspire, connect, and heal the human spirit. It's a privilege to be able to create pieces that can evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and provide solace.
Grand Interview about Pride Of The City Public Art
During the creative process, I was deeply inspired by the cyclical beauty of nature and its harmonious diversity. The four birds not only symbolize the upward motion and freedom but also embody the coexistence of all living things throughout the changing seasons. This symbolism emerged as I observed how urban parks, like Maple Garden, transform with the seasons—from blossoming spring flowers and vibrant summer greenery to autumnal hues and tranquil winter stillness. By blending these ideas, the sculpture invites viewers to perceive different forms—such as trees, flowers, or birds—depending on their angle of observation, reinforcing the notion that nature’s beauty is multifaceted and ever-changing.
Wind load was a significant challenge, particularly given the sculpture’s intricate and open design. To address this, we worked closely with structural experts to analyze the pressure caused by airflow on the engineering structure. We optimized the sculpture’s angles and curves to reduce resistance while preserving its artistic integrity. The structural frame was meticulously designed with lightweight yet durable materials to ensure stability without compromising its visual brightness. By collaborating with stainless steel forging specialists and conducting rigorous structural analysis, we achieved an ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality, ensuring the sculpture’s durability under varying weather conditions.
The sculpture’s location at the convergence of three pathways heavily influenced its design. I envisioned it as both a visual anchor and a welcoming gesture. The scale was carefully calibrated to stand out amidst the garden’s natural surroundings without overpowering them. The upward motion of the design mirrors the act of entering and exploring the park, naturally guiding visitors toward the center. The orientation ensures that, from any approach, the sculpture offers a dynamic and engaging view, fostering curiosity and inviting deeper connections. The visual flow emphasizes harmony, leading visitors seamlessly into the lush greenery of Maple Garden.
Urban oases are essential for reconnecting city dwellers with nature. My vision was to create a work that not only celebrates this connection but also highlights the delicate balance required for coexistence. The sculpture’s design reflects this balance through its layered imagery of birds, trees, and flowers, symbolizing the interdependence of all living things. By situating the sculpture in Maple Garden—a space where urban and natural elements blend seamlessly—it underscores the importance of preserving ecological harmony. The installation serves as both a metaphor for sustainability and an inspiration for viewers to cherish and protect these vital green sanctuaries.
Stainless steel was chosen for its strength, versatility, and reflective properties. This material allows the sculpture to maintain a sense of lightness while ensuring structural robustness. Its reflective surface dances with sunlight, creating dynamic visual effects that change with the time of day. In the morning, the sculpture glows with soft, warm tones, while midday light accentuates its contours and casts intricate shadows. At night, artificial lighting transforms it into a luminous beacon. This material not only reinforces the sculpture’s ethereal quality but also ties it to its environment, making it a living, ever-changing part of the garden.
The recognition has reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of public art. It has encouraged me to explore how art can simultaneously highlight cultural identity and environmental awareness. Public art, particularly in urban settings, has the potential to inspire dialogue about sustainability and heritage. Winning the award has provided a platform to share my vision with a broader audience, motivating me to create works that resonate universally while staying deeply connected to their local contexts. It serves as a reminder that art can be both a cultural emblem and a call to action for ecological stewardship.
The sculpture’s layered imagery was achieved by carefully calibrating the angles, curves, and spacing of each component. The interplay of positive and negative spaces allows viewers to discover new forms—such as birds, flowers, or trees—depending on their perspective. This design encourages exploration, with each step revealing a new dimension of the artwork. I sought to create an interactive experience where the sculpture becomes a visual puzzle, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with their surroundings. This evolving interpretation mirrors the dynamic relationship between people and nature, deepening the sculpture’s narrative of harmony and discovery.
Creating a dual aesthetic presence required meticulous planning. During the day, the reflective stainless steel interacts with natural light, allowing the sculpture to blend seamlessly with its environment while standing out as a radiant centerpiece. For nighttime, I integrated subtle, strategically placed lighting to emphasize its contours and evoke an ethereal presence. The lighting design enhances the sculpture’s form without overpowering its natural elegance, ensuring it remains a harmonious part of the garden’s ambiance. This duality ensures that the sculpture continues to engage visitors, whether bathed in sunlight or colorful illuminated in the evening.
Taiwan’s rich natural heritage, characterized by its diverse ecosystems and seasonal beauty, profoundly influenced the design. Maple Garden, with its ecological significance, offered an ideal stage to pay homage to these elements. I drew inspiration from Taiwan’s native flora and fauna, reflecting their forms in the sculpture’s design. The upward motion of the birds symbolizes Taiwan’s resilience and aspirations, while the representation of seasonal cycles mirrors the island’s dynamic landscapes. This homage to nature within an urban setting underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Taiwan’s environmental legacy.
As a permanent installation, Pride of the City will continue to serve as a cultural and ecological symbol for Taichung City. Over time, its role may expand into a hub for community gatherings, educational initiatives, or artistic events that promote sustainability and cultural appreciation. Its integration into Maple Garden’s ecosystem ensures its ongoing relevance, inspiring future generations to value urban oases. I envision it becoming a model for other cities, fostering a global dialogue on how art can bridge human life with nature while preserving and celebrating cultural identity.