We are happy to announce UrbanRock Design as the artist team selected to work with 4Culture and our partners at the King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD). Based in Los Angeles, California, UrbanRock Design is the collaborative partnership of Jeanine Centuori and Russell Rock who have experience working on a range of public projects in a breadth of materials. The artist team will create a site-specific public artwork as part of the new Jameson building in the Interbay Industrial Area of Seattle, Washington.

To get a better understanding of the Jameson project, the current site houses employees who support construction, operations, and maintenance of King County’s regional sewer system. The WTD workers, who are based at this site, build and maintain sewer infrastructure that serves about a 100-square mile service area. One of the exciting aspects of the new Jameson building is WTD’s commitment to the Living Building Challenge (LBC) which is a goal of King County. The LBC certification fit well with the integrated design of the project and represents a holistic measure of sustainability in order to achieve a high level of green building goals. UrbanRock is mindful of environmental and sustainable practice in public art, which is in alignment with the principals of the LBC and goals of the Jameson project. The artists have a sustainable approach to art with experience working on green architecture as well as an interest in utilizing locally sourced and recycled materials.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the artists have been able to build a successful and supportive long distance and remote working relationship with 4Culture, the project team and WTD project stakeholders. Jeanine and Russell are finding inspiration in this work and the dedication and stewardship of the workers. They are exploring details of the existing and future facility, from how the users will engage in the site to creating art that will contribute to a healthy and productive workspace – a goal of the LBC. We look forward to sharing more about this process as it unfolds and the creation of art that will celebrate the essential work of WTD and their connection to clean water in our region.