ADMSP Design Inspiration Series: The Dunefield

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ADMSP- Magazine Cover

Right along the coast at the very point where land meets sea is a rare and beautiful thing that is often seen, but rarely observed: It is a small area, often only but a few feet in length, that remains untouched and untainted by human hands. The sea has always been respected, and along the shore line man has yet to discover a way to harness the sea and mold it to their will.  Look back and reminisce on times when man’s vision has not been accepted by the sea, and the ocean has overpowered even the tallest and most massive structures with a single wave.  The shore line is a living, natural, wild creation that cannot be tamed and we as artists, creators and ambassadors of art must work with.

Now imagine walking along this area on the beach and encountering the most crystalline, beautiful, naturally spectacular, yet modestly subtle path made of recycled tumbled glass and you are immediately stopped in your tracks.  A weaving path glistening under the bright Miami Beach sun and reflecting the radiant blue hues only visible in Florida greets visitors as they enter ADMSP’s The Dunefield.

ADMSP Landscape Design Concept- Dunefield Paths

The masterminds at ADMSP have uncovered the secret that has been right under our very noses all along, which is using natural surroundings as a canvass and source of inspiration for the upcoming park. The dune field is one of four naturally divided rooms where the contemporary sculptures will be exhibited. Within the dunes, guests will enjoy contemporary sculptures produced at this present point in time and sculptures produced since World War II.

The idea of decorating a dune field with massive sculptures stems from the question of using this delicate, naturally occurring space to exhibit man made creations. The answer is to create ADMSP as a “landscaped gallery space.”

ADMSP Landscape Design- Landscaped Gallery Space

The Dunefield then becomes a place where beach dunes and plantings become the background and the natural setting for the sculptures. The protection and preservation of the dunes became critically important in deciding the placement of the statues. Dunes are an important wildlife habitat, supporting a rich community of highly specialized plant and animal species. In addition, they play an important part in defending shorelines against the constant buffeting of waves, and cannot be compromised in the design aspect of the massive sculpture project.

ADMSP Landscape Design Concept- The Dunefield

The dunes themselves now became the “keepers of the gate” from the beach and enticed wanderers to come inside and see what lies within. Seen from the beach and from the recreational beach walkway, the dunes create an invisible curtain that divides the beach from this artistic realm where the sculptures exist among the brush and sand. The planted dunes will help distinguish sculptures from one another visually and physically.

Upon entering The Dunefield, the question arose on how to keep visitors from getting lost amidst the magic and majesty of this field of vision. The challenge of providing a guide to lead guests from disturbing the dunes while traveling through each gallery and experience the awe of every sculpture also arose in the planning phases. The answer came in the form of a trail of glass, associated with wayfinding and the wanderer’s experience of orientation, as well as choosing a path within the built environment.

In “Oz Like” fashion, the ADMSP team created a road to follow throughout the sculptures made of tumbled recycled glass pathways as they weave through the sand dunes, creating movable footprints as you would on sand. Throughout the Dunefield Gallery at ADMSP, viewers can appreciate the value and effort placed in creating a site for the sculptures that compliments natures instead of disturbing it.  With great attention to detail and always respecting the delicate balance of the Miami Beach’s oceanfront ecosystems, The Dunefield of ADMSP is a masterpiece that even the sea can appreciate.

Movable Footprints