With a 'wave' of bells, construction progresses on Domus art

Domus residents may soon have the second most famous bells in Philadelphia.

Construction of "Wave Forms" began this month on the corner of 34th and Chestnut streets, bringing yet another public art project to the area.

Built to accompany the construction of the Domus apartment complex, the "Wave Forms" sculpture comes as part of the city's Percent for Art Program, which requires that one percent of the cost of construction on redeveloped land be dedicated to public art.

"Wave Forms," a contemporary million-dollar, 20,000 square foot project, was designed by esteemed sculptor Dennis Oppenheim.

"This is a major work by an international artist," said Susan Davis, head of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority Public Art Program. "It is a very prominent site and project."

The six metal structures, shaped as large bells, are unenclosed and were designed with a practical purpose in mind: Pedestrians can walk through, and sit on benches under, the artwork.

"The owners hoped [that it would] become an area for everything, not just a path of the door to the building," Davis said. "This is going to be an inviting and big project with . places to sit and [something for] everybody to enjoy."

Oppenheim said that he hopes his creation will encourage a sense of serenity and peacefulness.

"The bells are a very beautiful shape, but when you're inside of them, they bring to you a spatial sensation," he said. Students "can be transported into another kind of a spirit."

Oppenheim explained that the inspiration to create "Wave Forms" came from Philadelphia's most famous monument.

"For some reason, I came up with this very obvious image of the Liberty Bell, which is the most cliche thing one could think about," he said. "I said to myself, that is really unacceptable . maybe I could use this power image of bells [and] associate with them sound waves."

"Wave Forms" joins the "Button," "Covenant" and, most recently, "Plateau" on or near Penn's campus.

After the creation of "Plateau" last year was met with criticism for its lack of aesthetic value, Facilities officials pledged to include more student input the next time Penn funded another project.

But officials say their hands were tied this time because the developer, The Hanover Company, handled Domus's funding.

Facilities officials say that, though no further projects are currently in the works, that promise to include input still stands.

As for the "Wave Forms" project, it has received favorable feedback from the community, though it remains a slightly obscure work of art to some Penn students.

"It kind of doesn't fit into the surroundings," Nursing freshman Grace An said. "I'm used to Penn buildings, . but I think it's a good idea that we can go in there. It will be fun."

The project will not be completed until May and is set to include intricate paving and landscaping.

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