Project

John Grade, Understory

The Lumiere Group supported Pacific Northwest environmental artist John Grade, who was commissioned by Microsoft to create a monumental sculpture out of recycled second-growth trees. Using wood sourced from the construction site, and inspired by a grove of three oak trees, the sculpture will be sited on Microsoft’s flagship campus in the Puget Sound.

Details

Location:
Redmond, WA
Project Type:
Outdoor Sculpture Commission
Client:
Microsoft Corporation
Services Provided:
Collections Stewardship, Project Management and Logistics

Highlights

  • Collections Stewardship team worked with the artist and Microsoft. According to the artist’s vision, 100% of the sculpture was constructed from lumber salvaged from the construction site.
  • Collections Stewardship team, in consultation with the artist, developed a long-range maintenance and conservation plan to keep this sustainable artwork enjoyable for years to come.
  • Project Management team collaborated with the artist, the client, and the site architects to develop a comprehensive installation timeline and plan.
  • The Lumiere Group served as a primary connection point and collaborator with the artist on the creation of a comprehensive installation plan to be put into action on one of the busiest construction sites in North America.
  • Collections Stewardship and Logistics teams consulted on lighting for the sculpture in collaboration with client’s lighting designer and the artist.

Overview

Relationships were key throughout the artwork design and fabrication process, which lasted four years from vision to execution. After a thorough design review with project stakeholders, the Collections Stewardship team partnered with Microsoft’s vast network of consultants and vendors in order to bring both the artist and the client’s vision for the sculpture to life. Even in the earliest stages, the team encouraged alignment on the two central themes of the artwork: sustainability and interconnectedness. The Lumiere Group consulted with the artist and various stakeholders to create a story about the connection between the artwork and the client’s goal to create a supportive and interconnected network of resources for all of their customers. Evident in the intricate network of roots and canopy that fuse trees together, the sculpture stands as a visual representation of the important work being conducted on the impressive new campus.

The Lumiere Group led the project team through both an extensive design review process and lengthy discussions about the proper siting of the final artwork. The Lumiere Group’s Collections Stewardship team navigated the complex insurance requirements for this project and as well as coordinated training for the artist’s team to enter the largest construction site in the state of Washington. Logistical coordination was vital, considering details as diverse as the weight capacity of construction equipment and flood lighting for optimal night viewing.

  • 1/6: Dimensional scan of excavated tree root, courtesy of John Grade and Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 2/6: Interior of artist's studio, courtesy of John Grade and Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 3/6: John Grade with the work in progress, courtesy of the artist and Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 4/6: Workers excavate the roots of existing trees on site in preparation for 3D scanning, courtesy of the artist and Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 5/6: Concept drawing of artwork by John Grade, courtesy of the artist and Microsoft Art Collection.
  • 6/6: Concept drawing of artwork by John Grade, courtesy of the artist and Microsoft Art Collection.
"The Lumiere Group has provided my team with terrific support throughout the process of creating a sculpture for Microsoft. From early project management and administrative oversight through to hands-on collaboration on site, I have consistently felt that The Lumiere Group has had the integrity of the art as the highest priority."
- John Grade, Environmental Artist

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