Working with two great clients – Cambridge Architectural and the Dorchester County Office of Tourism – we helped coordinate and introduce a one of kind The kinetic fabric is featured in a signature art installation and welcome sign commissioned for the 20th anniversary of the Dorchester County Visitor Center on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Located on the banks of the Choptank River, the installation is comprised of 1,400 stainless steel flaps that move in the breeze with wave-like motion featuring the county’s distinctive “Water Moves Us” logo we created in 2014.
Motion Mesh, a new kinetic metal fabric system that invites architects and designers to incorporate energy and movement into the built environment in a variety of applications including façades, interior cladding, artwork and signage. energizes architectural facades and interiors with wind-activated panels.
Tracy Tyler, President and CEO of Cambridge, explains the evolution of Motion Mesh in this short video taken at the unveiling on May 7 at the Dorchester Visitors Center.
“As one of the world’s premiere metal fabricators, we wanted to create a marquee mesh system that gives our clients an exciting new option for surface design. “Motion Mesh creates new possibilities for architects seeking distinct design concepts. We are honored to show it off in our hometown and this important landmark greeting visitors in the heart of Chesapeake Country.”
The inaugural Motion Mesh installation in Dorchester County contains more than 1,400 individually laser-cut, four-inch-square stainless steel flaps. powder-coated a pearlescent white and clipped onto rods on the panel. It rests within a 25-high frame elevated eight feet from the ground to greet visitors as they cross the Choptank River bridge on U.S. 50, the main artery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The words “Welcome” “Dorchester County” and “Water Moves Us” were fabricated using laser-cut stainless steel letters that are powder-coated blue and steel grey. Four ribbons of blue, green and gold powder-coated steel flow around the lower section of the sign enveloping the piece and wrapping it in a 420-degree environment.
“With its 100-foot high sail canopy soaring overhead, the Dorchester Visitor Center immediately became a distinctive landmark when it opened in 1998, said Amanda Fenstermaker, Director, Dorchester County Office of Tourism. “This takes us to the next level. We are thrilled to have this beautiful new public art as a literal ‘word’ to our welcoming mantra, ‘Water Moves Us’.”
The sign was designed by Saundra Jones, Choptank’s creative director and architect of the Water Moves Us logo. Motion Mesh was engineered and fabricated at Cambridge’s Maryland-based headquarters. The work was led by Director of Operations and Engineer Matt O’Connell.
