Hamilton Herald Masthead

Editorial


Front Page - Friday, April 16, 2021

Interactive streetscape opens downtown




The Scramble repurposed existing infrastructure into an interactive space and a stormwater collection and filtration system. - Photographs provided

A sculpted streetscape dubbed The Scramble now serves as a connection from Walnut Plaza to the Tennessee Aquarium along 1st Street.

River City Company has worked in a public and private partnership with the City of Chattanooga, Public Art Chattanooga, The Lyndhurst Foundation and The Benwood Foundation since 2016 to select the artist and complete the construction of the installation, which repurposed existing infrastructure into an interactive space and a stormwater collection and filtration system.

The Scramble utilizes stone from nearby Sequatchie County and contains swirl patterns referencing the movement of water in the Tennessee River.

The sculpted landscape references angular rock outcroppings in the region and visually ties to the nature themes of the Aquarium Plaza.

The climbing and scrambling aspects of the installation are a homage to the climbing culture in downtown Chattanooga, including The Block and the Walnut Wall in Coolidge Park.

The angular forms of The Scramble visually link to other parts of the city, including the architecture of the Hunter Art Museum, the top of the Aquarium buildings, The Block and the angled slopes in Renaissance Park.

Source: River City Company