March 1, 2000

Design Detailings: Volunteer Park water tower to be a 'sensory wonderland'

The Seattle Arts Commission is presenting "Aqua Pura Vista," a video installation blending image, light and sound by architect and artist Iole Alessandrini. The exhibition opens March 21 and will run through April 24 at Seattle's Volunteer Park water tower.

The installation will be open every day from dawn to dusk, and admission is free.

"Aqua Pura Vista" will begin at both the north and south entrances of the water tower. Video imagery and the sound of water will greet audiences as they wind their way to the observation level where 16 arched windows offer panoramic city views Multiple light and video projections will encircle the water tower's deck. Accompanying sound effects will depict people, water and the landscape.

Alessandrini has received numerous grants and awards, including one from the Paul Allen Foundation for a recently displayed light installation in downtown Tacoma.

The Seattle and King County arts commissions are the exhibit sponsors and are working with Seattle Public Utilities, which made the water tower available for the display.

New director joins AIA SW Chapter

Karin Poppy McCarthy has been hired as the executive director of the American Institute of Architects, Southwest Washington Chapter, located in Tacoma.

Previously, she was the program coordinator for the Washington Forest Protection Association.

McCarthy is a 1978 graduate of the University of Puget Sound and is currently enrolled in the architecture engineering design program at Clover Park Technical College.

GGLO will move to Harbor Steps

GGLO Architecture and Interior Design has leased about 19,000 square feet of office space in Harbor Steps North at 1201 First Ave. in downtown Seattle. The company will move in upon completion of the building on Nov. 1.

Harbor Steps North, the third and final phase of The Harbor Steps development, includes more than 700 apartments, a fitness center and underground parking.

GGLO officials say the move from the Second and Seneca Building will accommodate current needs and allow for future growth. GGLO is the interior designer for the project.

New Name for RCA/Huitt-Zollars

RCA/Huitt-Zollars has changed its name to Huitt-Zollars. Former principal Richard Carothers recently retired from the firm after a 40-year career in landscape architecture.

RCA/Richard Carothers Associates merged with Dallas-based Huitt-Zollars in February 1998. Locally, the firm has 37 staff and offices in Seattle and Tacoma practicing planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture and land surveying.

Also, the firm's Tacoma office has moved to 302 S. Ninth St. in downtown Tacoma. The phone number, (253) 627-9131, remains the same.