Shortly after moving to Seattle from Boston, I found myself walking down Broadway when something unusual caught my eye: a series of bronze shoeprints embedded in the sidewalk. Curious, I looked closer and realized the prints depicted dance steps, with male and female shoes arranged in a pattern that included numbers and arrows—essentially instructions for a dance. As an experience designer, I was drawn to the piece as a public art installation. As a dancer, I couldn’t resist trying it out. I stood on the prints, followed the directions, and danced right there on the sidewalk. As I continued my walk, I discovered more sets of these shoe prints, each representing a different dance. Intrigued, I did some research and found an article explaining the origins of these prints, introducing me to the artist, and revealing there are eight sets in total along Broadway. Now, every time I walk that stretch of the street, I associate it with this playful and interactive artwork. This simple piece of public art brings a sense of whimsy and hope to an area that has faced recent challenges. With several empty storefronts and a visible need for revitalization after the impact of COVID, the artwork offers moments of entertainment and connection.
Whether in Seattle, Arrowstreet’s home base in Boston, or any other place around the world, incorporating art into public spaces offers far more than just aesthetic enhancements. Public art has the power to:
Heighten Awareness of Surroundings
By thoughtfully integrating into its setting, public art transforms everyday spaces into places of reflection, curiosity, and engagement, making them both memorable and meaningful. This concept guided the creation of our first public art installation commissioned by Pembroke for a series of windows at 255 State Street. The site’s prime location, facing what would be the future Greenway near the Boston waterfront and the New England Aquarium, provided an opportunity to craft something that resonated deeply with the environment and history.
The concept is an ambitious mural inspired by a school of swimming codfish, an emblem of Boston’s maritime heritage. Using 900 pounds of tumbled “sea glass”, we meticulously hand-placed each piece to create a dynamic, flowing representation of the codfish. By day, the mural infuses the area with color and playfulness, while connecting the artwork to the waterfront setting.
At night, lights behind the glass transform the mural into a glowing spectacle that draws attention, encouraging passersby to pause and engage with the artwork. It has also turned out to be a popular photo app on rainy days, as it has been featured multiple times in the Boston Globe with umbrellaed pedestrians bracing against the rain in front of the warm glow of the sea glass and colorful reflections on the wet sidewalk.
Now a beloved fixture for over 18 years, the mural has become an enduring part of the community, celebrating Boston’s history and offering a vibrant backdrop to the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
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Forge Deep Connections between People and Places
Public art also has the ability to forge a deep connection to place and community, often drawing on local history, culture, or identity, allowing people to see themselves reflected in the artwork.
This principle guided our approach during the renovation of the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square, where we were tasked with transforming a large blank wall in the newly renovated lobby. Inspired by the library’s connection to both books and the city of Boston, we envisioned a mosaic that would weave together these two essential elements. The result is a unique interpretation of the Boston skyline, crafted entirely from hardcover books. This installation serves as both a tribute to the library’s literary mission and the iconic city it serves.
Visible from Boylston Street through the library’s expansive lobby windows, the book mosaic immediately catches the eye, infusing the space with vibrant energy. It contrasts with other significant works in the library, like the traditional John Singer Sargent murals, offering a contemporary and playful touch. More than just a visual centerpiece, the mosaic symbolizes the library’s connection to the community. Each book was sourced locally or donated, representing the diverse stories and histories that make up Boston.
The mosaic has quickly become a visitor favorite, sparking conversation and being featured in hundreds of photos on Instagram, expanding the reach of the mosaic world wide. This innovative piece strengthens the bond between the library, the city, and its people, offering a unique blend of art, culture, and community connection.
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Foster Interaction and Engagement
Beyond being visually appealing, public art frequently invites interaction, whether physically, socially, or emotionally, encouraging viewers to participate in the experience. Our latest addition to Boston’s public art scene, Urban Grove, exemplifies this engagement. Located in the Seaport District at The Lawn on D, this vibrant and interactive installation aligns with the park’s mission to foster creativity through art, performances, and events. Urban Grove was one of two installations chosen to inspire participation, bringing new energy and fostering interaction in the space, and was recently selected for the Archello Awards 2024 Longlist in the Public Space of the Year category.
Urban Grove re-imagines a grove of trees with abstract, reflective canopies, creating a shady, welcoming space for people to gather, relax, and interact. Built-in seating beneath the trees invites socializing and reflection, while the mirrored undersides of the canopies encourage visitors to look up and reflect on their surroundings. This playful interaction between the mirrors, light, and movement fosters a shared experience, blending personal reflection with community connection.
At night, Urban Grove becomes even more dynamic, with color-changing lights casting a vibrant glow across the canopy. The installation draws locals and tourists alike to linger and engage, creating lasting memories and deepening their connection to the space.
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Increase Foot Traffic and Stimulate Economies
Beyond its impact on the public viewing the artwork, there are notable, economic benefits of incorporating public art. Studies show public art can dramatically increase foot traffic and stimulate local economies by transforming everyday areas into vibrant destinations that draw both residents and tourists alike.
- Research from Toronto Metropolitan University found that placemaking interventions, such as public art, increased the likelihood of people spending time in an area by 50%, leading to greater interaction with local businesses.
- The same study revealed a 63% increase in positive feelings toward locations with public art, which were perceived as more vibrant and welcoming, encouraging people to linger and engage more with their surroundings.
- That study also revealed a 74% increase in the likelihood people would share information about the location, which could increase exposure through social media.
- Additionally, the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce reported that public art improves the sense of safety and community pride, drawing visitors to areas that might otherwise be overlooked.
These statistics highlight how public art not only fosters community connections but also stimulates the economic vibrancy of neighborhoods, making it a powerful tool for anyone looking to create vibrant, memorable, safer, and more engaging spaces.
For more information on the impact of public art in communities and how Arrowstreet can help you achieve your public art goals, please reach out to our Experience Design team at ExperienceDesign@arrowstreet.com.
About the Author: Donald Suthard, based in Seattle, WA, serves as a Senior Associate and Senior Designer in Arrowstreet’s Experience Design Studio, representing the firm’s presence on the West Coast.
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