07-14-08 | Sapphire Tower Shatters Public Art Boundaries
08-13-07 | Grand sculptures to complement Sapphire Tower
residential high-rise
July 14, 2008
Sapphire Tower Shatters Public Art Boundaries
SAN DIEGO -- Bringing unprecedented design to downtown San Diego, the award-winning Sapphire Tower is creating a stir among developers and public art aficionados nationwide. While most cities' public art sits boldly at the base of a structure, Sapphire Tower's Borgonovo will stretch 80 feet from tip to tail, illuminating the night and calling attention to the city's most beautiful residential high-rise. The design, construction, and installation of Borgonovo are a testament to the collaborative work between developer Centurion Partners and internationally renowned artist Betsy Schulz. With an approach to design most frequently seen in Chicago, San Francisco, and New York, Sapphire Tower has attracted luxury homebuyers from all corners of the USA, and abroad, with this commitment to aesthetics and public art.
As the first of two major public installations, a giant sculpture known as "Borgonovo" is set to install next month.
Borgonovo is 79 feet tall, 12 to 27 feet wide, and 8 to 32 inches thick. Sleek and contemporary, the installation will be a modern metal and glass structure abstractly appearing as a ring, with aluminum panels and steel beams as the setting. Two different textured glass colors are set as the shimmering gemstones. Borgonovo will be made of two-tiered mesh, aluminum panels, textured and laminated blue and clear glass, and blue-LED string lights to illuminate the glass at night. The 79-foot high piece will command pedestrians to take notice of Sapphire Tower's artistry and architectural elegance.
Borgonovo is one of two major art pieces being installed at Sapphire Tower. Both pieces are part of Sapphire Tower's public art contribution to the City of San Diego, California. The two art pieces, costing just under a half a million dollars, are part of Sapphire Tower's commitment to exceptional aesthetics and seamless integration into San Diego's Little Italy district downtown.
Both art pieces were designed by artist Betsy Schulz, an accomplished designer, painter, environmental artist and creative garden designer. Her public art dots the Southern California coast from North San Diego County to La Jolla. She has received numerous local and national awards including a 2007 Spectrum Award, an Orchid Award, and the Associated General Contractors of America 2007 Build San Diego Award. Ms. Schulz received her education at Carnegie Mellon University, and studied graphic design in Switzerland under notable designers Paul Rand, Armin Hoffman and Richard Sapper. In recognition of Ms. Schulz's formative years as an artist, Borgonovo is named after the hometown of famous Swiss sculptor, Alberto Giacometti, who was known for his elongated figures.
A development of Centurion Partners and Avion Development, Sapphire Tower is a 32-story project located on the southwest corner of Kettner Boulevard and A Street in downtown San Diego. The project will include 97 luxury homes in loft, one, two and penthouse designs. The building's features include a large pool, hot tub and sundeck, fully equipped fitness center/spa with steam room, spacious balconies and units, and water views. Sapphire Tower is scheduled to be complete by the last quarter of 2008. For more information, please visit the Sapphire Tower Sales office, Studio 528 located at 528 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101, or call (619) 325-0689 or visit www.sapphiretower.net.
