PROJECT Bethesda 'B' Sculpture

LOCATION  Bethesda, Maryland US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  1/1/2017

ARCHITECT  Kramer Architects, Inc.

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT/DESIGNER  No

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Mark Kramer, Zachary Oxman

OWNER/CLIENT Bethesda Urban Partnership

CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Zachery Oxman

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PHOTOGRAPHER  Mark Kramer

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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  

Downtown Bethesda was designated as an Arts & Entertainment District by the State of Maryland in 2002 and redesignated in 2012. The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment events attract more than 100,000 people each year. The issue was that people attended these events, they did not understand that the events were part of the Arts District. The concept of the Sculpture "B" was to locate these pieces in the area of the event and "BRAND" the area as part of the initiative.

The whimsical aluminum sculptures now identify Bethesda as an arts district and use the enlarged artistic letter "B" with the floating words "where the arts shine". This imaginative design creates a visual presence within the streetscape of the community.

The 12 sculptures are scattered throughout the community at different art venues related to music, dance, art and festivals. These sculptures are creating a sense of interest and activity as people interact with the sculptures for photos and other activities. These sculptures are bringing the architecture of the buildings down to the street level so that the pedestrian can appreciate a new feeling of design.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project/Jury PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)

1. Bethesda "B" sculpture summary
2. Dedication of sculptures
3. Program for sculptures

4. Location of sculptures
5. Close up of sculpture
6. Location photos
7. Sculpture in the streetscape environment
8. Sculpture at sites