The ‘Hands’ is an innovative design solution for 1200-foot garage façade and will wrap around the eastern side of the airport’s new rental car and public parking garage currently under construction. The seven-deck, 3350-space garage is a key element of SJC’s comprehensive modernization program and is located directly across the roadway from the new Terminal B, which is also under construction.
The new mural ‘Hands’ represents 52 languages, and more than 20 cultures within San Jose’s city limits. The mural will span 1,200 feet, stand seven stories tall, and will be visible miles away, when completed by late 2009.
The San José Public Art Program commissioned international artist Christian Moeller in 2007 to work with the City of San José and the Airport to develop a creative solution for the 1200-foot long east façade of the rental car garage.
Moeller stated that the concept of ‘hands’ is chosen as hands are one of the most expressive parts of the human body, which help in facilitating communication, technology and innovation throughout time. Moeller worked in collaboration with the airport’s design/build team, Colorado-based contractor Hensel Phelps Construction Company and Fentress Architects to identify an art solution for the façade.
The fabrication of “Hands” by California-based Carlson and Co. and its installation by Hensel Phelps are scheduled to be completed by late August 2009.
The project is part of the airport’s $1.3 billion comprehensive modernization program, which includes construction of a new Terminal B and concourse, renovation of Terminal A, parking structure construction and roadway improvements.
