Piazza Lavoro, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Posted by: 
sherpes
N 40° 26.838 W 080° 00.168
17T E 584563 N 4477882
artistic creation by Ned Smyth
Waymark Code: WM4RXB
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 09/25/2008
Views: 15
The artist, working in conjunction with a landscape artist, developed a circular plaza with three aggregate cement monoliths on its perimeter — each containing images which relate to the history of Pittsburgh. An archway, inlaid with mosaic designs of palm leaves, faces the Allegheny river. This Acropolis-looking structure rests at the top of a hill, which leads down to a smaller circular plaza at the water's edge which contains an aggregate cement palm tree at its center, and mosaic images of sea life surrounding its base.
The first part of the project consists of a circular plaza with three aggregate cement monoliths on its perimeter. Inlaid in the concrete monoliths are mosaic figures depicting both the positive and negative aspects of labor and industry in Pittsburgh's history. The circular plaza is surrounded on two sides by modern office buildings and serves as a gathering place with a view of the water. At the center of the plaza is an aggregate concrete palm tree, which symbolizes peace and the balance between natural and manmade phenomena. Viewing the plaza from the water, Piazza Lavoro resembles a citadel-like structure with tiers of circular steps leading up to a series of archways. The second part of Ned Symth's work is a smaller circular plaza called "Mythic Source", which is located on the water's edge in line with the large plaza located uphill. "Mythic Source" has a similar aggregate cement palm tree at its center and inlaid mosaic images of fish and man at its base. These images symbolize the origin of man and the inherent importance of water as a life-giving source.
Project Title:
Piazza Lavoro
Architect/Artist:
Ned Smyth
Media:
aggregate concrete, marble, ceramic tile
Sponsor Developer:
The H. J. Hines Company donated this work to the City of Pittsburgh
Address:
32 isabella st
Pittsburgh, PA USA
15212
Specific visit requirements: Not listed
Related web site: Not listed
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