The Tigard Universal Beacon, is a public art project created by David Buckley Borden in collaboration with Rios, Art Design Situation, Pike Awning, lighting designer Chris Herring, and the City of Tigard, Oregon. The temporary installation serves as a beacon, announcing to Tigard residents, the arrival of the new Universal Plaza site within the context of community interaction during a global pandemic. The large-scale work is created from common construction scaffolding, lighting elements, and a weave of vibrant fabric. The installation, which runs 112’ along the length of the new plaza’s west side, is punctuated by a 30-feet tower that features an abstract flame that glimmers in a gentle wind and lights to life in the evening.

Understanding the community’s pent-up desire for activity on the site, and remaining sensitive to social-distancing needs, the installation is designed to be experienced from afar and within. With the integration of socially-distanced rain tents, one can even use the artwork as shelter. The bold pop of color is designed to draw people into the piece, which from a distance appears to float on site. Guests are encouraged to walk under and around the installation to fully experience the interplay of light, shadow, and color that the artwork facilitates both day and night. In essence, the public artwork is about experimentation and play in a way that is universally understandable, and accessible to community members of all backgrounds.

The public art installation is located at the Universal Plaza at 9040 SW Burnham Street, Tigard, OR and is scheduled to be on site until Spring 2022. #tigarduniversalplaza

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Acknowledgement: Much gratitude to Peter Emerson and Graham Sandelski of Rios for their creative support, encouragement, and patience for this COVID-era public work.