As editor of Remember "The Gates Project," the big outdoor art display in New York's Central Park by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude? Back in the winter of 2005, the project got lots of headlines -- it covered 26 miles of walkways, with saffron-colored gates and draperies brightening the city's gray winter exterior. Many news stories erroneously said the gates were made of steel, but actually they were PVC, with components made of high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene and nylon.
The project may soon be in the news again, as Nazareth, Pa.-based Nicos Polymers & Grinding Inc. has been nominated to receive the Innovative Deconstruction Project award from the Building Materials Reuse Association for its role in recycling "The Gates." According to a news release from Nicos, "The nominators believe that design professionals, building owners and community members at-large stand to benefit and learn from demonstration projects such as `The Gates,' which was a socially responsible work of art."
The award will be announced May 14.
Although spring officially is here, it's still a treat to see a bit of color (at least here in still-dreary Akron, Ohio). So check out the slide show and video of "The Gates" on Nicos' Web site.
Comments (2)
It is deplorable that SPI and other plastics organizations did not vehemently defend the fact that The Gates were made of components manufactured by our industry, which we love and which provides directly and indirectly valuable benefits to everybody.
Posted by Ed Wunderlich | March 25, 2007 2:37 PM
Posted on March 25, 2007 14:37
Ed, I completely agree with your comment. They certainly dropped the ball on the opportunity. I can however attest that, from first-hand knowledge and participation with them, that the Vinyl Institute played (and still play) an outstanding role in the promotion of the project along the lines that you expressed.
Being the deconstruction project leader was not my only responsibility, I am also in charge of marketing the company and the Vinyl Institute went out of their way in providing resources and working closely with me in promoting the success of not only the project but the PVC material's value as well both here in the United States and in Europe.
Posted by Bob Perrone | May 17, 2007 8:33 AM
Posted on May 17, 2007 08:33