PROPOSAL
The proposal has two symbiotic components:
lookouts -- river viewing platforms -- and picture-box lanterns
-- special pole-mounted lamps. Both are based on simple,
usually geometric structures that support more complex,
delicate, and personally and culturally variable uses, images,
and experiences. The components engage visitors and
captivatingly reveal multiple aspects of the river's changing
face.
Picture Box Lanterns
Whether celebratory (as in fireworks and
water festivals), ritualistic (as in Japanese boat lanterns or
Day of the Dead festivals), or aesthetic, river-way lighting
can draw people to a river. Our picture-box lanterns
derive from folk festivals and rituals in which some form of
lantern is integral. While such events are usually temporary,
we propose a permanent lighting frame for diverse celebrations.
The square lamps (six to a pole) are constructed so their
light filters through hand-drawn or painted "shades",
and the shades can be changed. The lantern images, done
on paper and then encased, are to be provided by citizens of
greater Reading -- whether school-children, adult artists, or
members of a subculture. Because the shades change, they
can refer to and support community groups, seasonal festivals,
the river, river life, Reading history, . . .. By making
the lantern images and shaping their subjects and themes,
individuals and groups express their identities in the
lighting system, seeing them reinforced and illuminated there.
Such engagement may be especially significant for
Reading's Central and South American population, in particular
those of Mexican origin, for they will be encouraged to bring
their Day of the Dead and Carnival celebrations down to the
river.
Viewing Platforms
There are currently few comfortable places
to rest; fewer still with good views of the river. Still,
people sit in the few benches there, especially ones with river
views. While Sasaki has planned major structures along
the river, but evidently little attention has been paid to
smaller scale structures such as we propose. The
Schuylkill River viewing platforms derive from Chinese Garden
pavilions that were situated and named according to what was
viewed from them -- a mountain, a tree, a waterfall, the moon
.... Those pavilions also served other purposes -- resting,
meeting, and eating. Each viewing platform we propose
provides views of a different distinctive river-water
phenomenon or feature. Each is also a place to meet,
rest, and/or perform -- several are quite theatrical,
resembling Renaissance garden stairways or stages -- both for
those approaching from the land and those coming from the
river. Each varies in size, shape and material. Each
incorporates industrial materials and/or structures of historic
or contemporary Reading ; each reflects a gardenesque,
industrial romantic, sensibility. While sites are
primarily determined by the river phenomena to be seen from
them, their forms have intrinsic interest, they provide
landmarks, and they offer opportunities to exercise choice in
their use. They offer programmatic links to
Goggleworks dance programs and performances and amphitheater
events, as well as sites for drawing and painting from nature,
birdwatching and educational activities.
