Price Freeway and Apache

Christine Bourdette / Portland, OR
Dan Corson / Seattle, WA
Benson Shaw / Seattle, WA

The title for Tempe’s border station which serves the 101 Loop is Division and Reconnection. Themes here include the initial divisions caused by canal, freeway, boulevard and light rail; water links past and future and strong neighborhood pride despite economic and social divisions.

Bourdettes’ Links and the Circuitous Path illustrate the formation of community through a long and circuitous chain of events. Nearly divided but still connected, the links and serpentine shapes combine traditional forms with patterns addressing the flow of change.

Above the canopy line, Corson’s v use the architectural vernacular of the perforated louvers, under which are located an arrangement of colored neon tubes. The concept is that of coded language used extensively in the pioneer days and the early railroad system.

Shaw’s work relates directly to the Tempe canal history and auto culture. Blue glass water/canal pavers stripe across the platform while a dark line of pavers suggests the freeway cutting across the area simultaneously obstructing and providing access.