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A site specific
design inspired by proximity to the Arizona Canal, the Tributary Wall
acts as a noise abatement wall for surrounding communities and celebrates
the presence of water in our desert environment through a combination
of repetitive patterning, symbolism, and materials. A continuous stream
of water spurred the idea for an undulating, wave-like wall that supports
the visual reference to fluid movement.
Located on the west side of
Goldwater Boulevard between Indian School and Camelback
The Tributary Wall
began with area residents voicing their concerns about the development
of Marshall Way, including the expansion of Scottsdale Fashion Square.
They were concerned that with the expansion of the mall, their peaceful
community would be congested with noise from mall traffic. Voicing their
concerns to city hall, a noise abatement wall was planned to replace the
existing 5-foot masonry barrier. Along with the artistic vision of Kevin
Berry, residents of the surrounding community participated in the design
reviews and created a project that gave their neighborhood a sense of
identity.
Kevin Berry, Phoenix, Arizona
As a graduate of Arizona State University, Kevin Berry has had great success
in the valley with numerous exhibitions, installations and public art
projects. In addition to designing Tributary Wall, he has designed
many other projects for Scottsdale Public Arts such as Hummingbird
Sanctuary Park on Civic Center Boulevard. He has also created public
art projects for Chandler, Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix.
This project received two awards
in 1999:
- The Valley Forward Association Crescordia Award for Environmental
Excellence
- The Orchid Award -Recognizing the best features of a city,
including public art, and celbrating community involvement.
What is the Tributary Wall?
The Tributary Wall pays tribute to one of the most important
natural resources we have here in the desert. Without the water provided
by the canal, we would not be able to survive in this arid environment.
Originally created by Hohokam Indians, Berry pays "tribute"
to the canal.
This wall also acts as a noise abatement wall for the surrounding community.
Standing ten feet tall, the undulating, wave-like wall supports seven
steel fish ranging from nine feet to eighteen feet long. The fish, with
the exception of the largest, swim downstream, heading towards the canal.
The largest swims upstream and challenges the group. A gabion structure
(rock filled) at the base of the wall acts as a contrasting repetitive
pattern representing the rippled floor of the riverbed. Light plays an
important role in the aesthetic expression. Solid glass blocks are strategically
placed behind each of the fish allowing natural sunlight to filter through.
This gives the appearance of moving water behind the fish when viewed
from the street. Crimson colored uplights shine from the rock floor and
illuminate the underbelly of each fish after the sun disappears beyond
the horizon.
Why does one fish swim upstream, while the rest swim downstream?
Going against the current is familiar to Arizonans, as living in the Sonoran
desert is inherently contradictory to nature. According to Berry, this
fish swimming upstream provides something unexpected and breaks up the
repetitious pattern of the wall.
How did the artist decide what colors and materials to use?
Intentional use of materials present in the development north of Indian
School Road unify the area, such as red and gray concrete block, glass
block, and steel. The steel, concrete and glass blocks, and desert plantings
were all acquired locally, insuring compatibility with our arid desert
environment.
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