A red giant periscope and pathway to overlook Everglades wetland
In the heart of Florida’s Everglades, home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, a bold new structure connects people with nature. The vivid red walkway at Sunset Point Park stands out amidst the vast green landscape, highlighting the significance of the Everglades’ wetland ecosystem while bridging the gap between natural and artificial infrastructures of mansions, corporate centers, and warehouses. At the end of the walkway, a large periscope allows visitors to enjoy views beyond the six-lane road beside the pathway.
The walkway, which runs along the ground, is elevated on a cantilevered structure where the periscope is installed. The protruding structure on the flat terrain resembles a hammock with a parabolic curve. Within a 6×1m tilted at a 45-degree angle, mirrors capture and reflect the surrounding landscape, offering a dynamic, multi-dimensional perspective. The rhythmic arrangement of red aluminum elements over 60 meters provides a sharp contrast to the natural setting, framing the experience of balance between nature and human intervention.
The rhythmic design and color of the structure are intended to change with the sun’s movement, mimicking the shifting hues of the wetlands. As sunset approaches, the red hues deepen, capturing fleeting moments of light and color that draw the attention of park visitors and commuters passing by. Some sections of the walkway also function as public art sculptures, designed to host children’s art programs in collaboration with local art museums.
Project: SUNSET HAMMOCK ENVIRONMENTAL ART / Location: At Sunset Point Park, City of Tamarac, 11000 W. Mc Nab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321 / Architect: Glavovic Studio / Project team: Rafael Guissarri_Glavovic Studio, John Doherty_Public Services Director, Ron Stein_Sr. Project Manager, George Gadson and Beth Ravitz_Public Art Project Managers / Artist: Margi Glavovic Nothard / Structural engineer: Larry De Rose / Civil engineer: Larry De Rose Engineers / Landscape architect: City of Tamarac / Design Build Contractor: TechGroup One; RSP Engineers, Inc. / Structure & Finish: Espinosa Powder Coating & Decorative Fencing / Owner: City of Tamarac / Program: Site-specific interactive land art with a view of the Everglades, Community periscope, Educational opportunity, Visible from I75, Prefabricated modular aluminum tubes, 180’ L x 40’W x 20’H / Size: Approximately 28,000SF/0.64 Acres / Hard costs: $850,420 / Awards and Grants: Land and Water Conservation Fund Cultural Facilities Grant, NEA Our Town Grant, 2020 AIA Fort Lauderdale Unbuilt Honor Award / Photograph: Courtesy of the architect; ©Margi Glavovic Nothard (courtesy of the architect); ©Robin Hill (courtesy of the architect)
