Net address for this page- www.polycosmos.org/creacion/napt2.htm
To: COA's PARD & NAPT
From: Santos-Perez Airport Sculpture Team
The following is to reply to points raised in NAPT's June 8 memo.
1) Mr. Muncy is in error when he states that "We (NAPT staff) still have not received any documentation indicating the artist's proposed foundation design". A site plan and conceptual drawings were presented at AIPP final review meeting on Mar. 3, '98. Drawings showing further detail were faxed from PARD to NAPT not long after. Mr. Muncy stated that no erection sequence had yet been defined. Here it is- Upon the completed base, the erection sequence for stacking blocks is bottom to top. This might take 2-4 hrs of crane time. Metal ornament is attached in sequence from large elements to small. This might take 2-4 days. Everyone's goal is to have this happen by target dates as coordinated between parties. The following timeline was established last year- http://www.polycosmos.org/creacion/timeline.htm
2) At various meetings with NAPT it was repeatedly explained how a crane would place the blocks. The team coordinator has set over a dozen such megalithic blocks in Austin, and also operated a boom crane as a youth, so this is no experiment. There seem to be no real obstructions to a clean install, such as overhead wires or signs, and the right crane should be able to easily place the stones. The only prerequisite is for the crane company look over the lift (and select final crane required based on horizontal reach) and make any suggestions. Morgani will be asked to bid on this service and can provide NAPT with feasibility assurance.
3) Landscaping may proceed without regard for final sculpture installation, so as to establish the plantings, which, coming from a crane above, will hardly impact the site. Artists' team has researched a specific xeriscape solution, in consultation with local experts, and looks forward to working with the NAPT directed landscape team.
4) Alternative siting of the piece might be preferable if city caused delays forced a choice between stonecarving after opening day next to the terminal or stonecarving on an architecturally isolated site.
5) It does not seem that Mr. Garza, PARD, and the artists can guarantee the results of this sculpture project with NAPT and other staff working at cross purposes.