Social Impact Strategy & Results
Case Study: Art of the Neighborhood
Case Study: Art of the Neighborhood We invest in public art to activate creativity and enhance the day-to-day lives of our neighbors, tenants and team members. By investing in and showcasing the talent of local artists, we are creating more dynamic reflection spaces for the public to enjoy.
At Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, we commissioned and installed six different artist series that transformed our spaces — and the nearby sidewalk — into living art galleries. The “Atmospheric Wave Wall” created by notable artist Olafur Eliasson on Jackson Boulevard matches the scale of Willis Tower and the natural landscape of the city. At 30 by 60 feet, the pattern of curving metal tiles in serene blue, deep green and white mirror the surfaces of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. As the sun moves across the piece throughout the seasons — and as people walk, drive or bike by — the colors shift as they do in natural bodies of water. At night, rays of light peek out between the metal tiles.
The Atmospheric wave wall by Olafur Eliasson at Willis Tower. Photo credit Darris Harris.
At CANVAS in Costa Mesa, California, the local team participates in the broader South Coast Metro's Public Art initiative. They commissioned works from 18 local artists who reflect the diversity of CANVAS and the Costa Mesa community. Charmaine Olivia’s work, for example, captures the human experience of self-discovery with color and imagery of goddesses. The COVID-19 pandemic affected occupancy in our spaces. We have made extra efforts to open up unused space for public art projects to offer safe, socially distanced activities for our neighbors, which also supports our retailers and food and beverage partners.
The OC Goddess by Charmaine Olivia at CANVAS. Photo credit Brandon Shigeta.
EQ Office
ESG Report 2020–2021
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