River Spire

Completion: 2018

Location: Minnesota Veterans Home, Minneapolis, MN

Description: Our inspiration for this project came from the unique challenge to “promote healing and support the organization’s mission of serving those who have served, focusing on life at the home rather than being a war memorial.” We envisioned a sculptural expression that had the power and honor of a battle monument, but imbued with the unique natural beauty of the Minnesota Veterans Home site landscape, specifically using the river and creeks as a metaphor for life’s journey after dedicated service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For this project, we were interested in the symbols or insignia of the U.S. military that are a badge of honor and a great source of pride and accomplishment. The chevron, a "V" shaped symbol, has been historically worn in one form or another, in all branches of the U.S. Military since 1821.The chevron symbol is interpreted into Corten plates that are configured in a spiraling vertical array creating a sculptural spire characterized by a flowing wave-like surface and composed of local river stones. The river stones change in density and color as they move up the artwork, providing a sense of lightness and drama.

River Spire celebrates the friendship and solidarity of the service men and women from all branches of the armed forces that have found community at the Veterans Home.

Architect: Metalab

Photography: Brett Kallusky Photographs