Age Song | November 04 2009 | Kim Kellogg / Mara Tyler 510-635-41
West Oakland’s noted architectural glass designer Dorothy Lenehan and steel sculptor and designer Dennis Luedeman are creating architectural details for Emeryville’s new senior community, AgeSong Bayside Park, as part of the city's Percent for Art Ordinance. Established in 1990, the ordinance requires that private developers of commercial buildings contribute one percent of their construction budget for public art.
The 125- apartment complex for independent and assisted living, which opens in the first quarter of 2010, will feature a large glass canopy at the entrance, interior glass pendants, an interior cantilevered steel staircase and outdoor planting sculptures. All are considered public art because they are easily visible and accessible to anyone passing or entering the building. Currently, Emeryville has 60 works of art in public and private sites that are accessible either in the public realm or in semi-public spaces such as building lobbies.
Lenehan, whose studio, Lenehan Architectural Glass, is located on Mandela Parkway in Oakland, is creating a large, abstracted canopy of sandblasted leaves for the building’s entryway. "The canopy creates an artistic, muted colorful effect from above as the sunlight shines through it, and it also creates a dappled pattern on the sidewalk that can be enjoyed as you walk into the building," said Lenehan. Inside the building, a hanging glass sculpture of leaves creates more light reflection and movement.
Luedeman's studio, located on Helen Street in Oakland, is the site of three steel creations for Bayside Park: a steel and wood cantilevered staircase that tapers as it ascends the buildin'’s two-story lobby; sculptured planters that separate the outdoor eating area; and sculptures between the building columns. "I enjoy creating works that initially appear simple and streamlined, but are complex and visually interesting, so that viewers can get different perceptions as they see the art from different angles," he said.
Designed by Berkeley-based architectural firm Kava Massih Architects, Bayside Park features high ceilings, large windows, natural materials, outside garden patios, a Kneipp "wellness" pool, exercise and strength training center, expressive arts studio and a public café, among other amenities.
"Our philosophy of care begins with the design criteria for each of our communities and we create an ambiance that is full of light and life," said Dr. Nader Shabahangi, CEO of AgeSong.
"Bayside Park's overall design is inspired by the Five Pillars of Wellness developed by the Bavarian priest Sebastian Kneipp in the 19th century, which include water, plants, nutrition, exercise and balance," he added.
Dr. Shabahangi founded AgeSong in 1995 with his two brothers, combining their diverse backgrounds in psychology, law and theology to create AgeSong's distinctive model of elder care. Their vision has been successful. In 2006 AgeSong won The American Society on Aging award for excellence in the field of aging. It currently operates four residential communities, two in San Francisco and two in Oakland.
AgeSong Senior Communities | 432 Ivy Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 | 877-AgeSong
(877-243-7664) | License # 385600373, 385600372, 015601384
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