Attachment 3 - Part 7Veterans Tree
ist Rendering Media Views
Submitted byTeani Lynott to CaFE
Pulled from the CaFE website by Veterans Foundation
Please refer to the CaFE website for the full proposal
The Veterans Tree, designed by Rick Guidice and Tony Lynott is designed with the five military branches
in mind. This is an aerial view of the Veterans Tree as it would appear from above. Each wedge of the
tree's canopy as separated by the branches would be dedicated to one of each of the branches of the
United States military.
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The design calls for demolishing the existing fountain upon the plaza. A platform would be installed
upon which the tree would sit. Columns would support the canopy. The first design included a 65'
canopy to provide cooling and shade.
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The tree's trunk is made of basalt, a common extrusive igneous rock formation from the rapid cooling of
basaltic lava. Basalt typically can be found as the bedrock of the ocean floor and on land in extensive
lava flows. Basalt naturally forms in pentagon shapes which the artists found to be very relevant given
the military connection with the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
Sculptor Tony Lynott designed the basalt to include carved insignias of each of the branches of the U.S.
military. Circling around the basalt, connecting the columns exists an educational table -top that
describes the history of each of the branches of the various arms of the military or could be adopted to
include rotational messages. The artists left the table -top contents for consideration for the
Committee to design.
The design formula is driven to honor veterans of the five branches of the military. The monument is
made up of five display areas, five vertical trunk elements, five major branches and five sub branches
supporting the shade cloth elements. The core of the trunk element is basalt stone with water flowing
down the surface. The basalt stone is formed in nature with five vertical sides. This stone will be
selected to align each flat side to the each service branch space. The falling water will fall through the
supported river rock surface to a surge pond below the surface, pooling water is not accessible. Up
lights will softly illuminate the underside canopy at night, the verbiage will be etched in stone or glass.
The canopy branches will be stainless steel or bronze anodized aluminum. The shade canvas cloth will
be a warm autumn leaf color to minimize reflectivity and blend with surround colors. The round shape
of this monument reflects the shape of the existing plaza, and the existing benches around the
perimeter will remain as sheltered for all who visit the plaza.
The center of the basalt would contain cored hole and piping from top to bottom of the basalt in the
center of the stone. water would travel up through the center core and trickle down the exterior sides
to a non - pooling recirculating fountain.
Following the first design submission, artists Lynott and Guidice proactively submitted a second set of
renderings due to findings of available basalt formations.
The second set of renderings included more of a contemporary feel. The dimensions of the interior
basalt formation is 10' to 12' in height, 28" to 32" in width. Five columns encircle the basalt as in the
first set of renderings that are much larger and angular in shape compared to the first set of renderings.
The canopy size is 55' in total diameter (10' less than that of the first set of renderings) given concerns of
wind sheer.
Aerial view of the Veterans Tree.
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View from the base.
As mentioned earlier, the Committee's wish list was submitted to each of the artist teams.
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One of the concerns of the committee addressed by the Lynott & Guidice team was the Committee's
desire to see the canopy emulate more of a mushroom top or umbrella compared to that of a dish which
was addressed. The team was concerned that the dish -like formation took on too much of a satellite
dish -like view especially considering the existence of the many antennas over the Police Dispatch
building. Artists Lynott and Guidice addressed this concern with designing the new Veterans Tree form
which can be seen in the upper right hand corner of this view.
In addition, the artist team responded with a hybrid design in response to the Committee's desire to see
a design that employed elements of both designs — the Veterans Tree and Guardians of Liberty -
employing considerations for use of basalt, granite walls and statuary for placement in the Pageant
Grounds Park. The components of the hybrid design included five large granite slabs, one each
dedicated to a branch of the military, bookended with statuary on the far left and the far right of the
granite slabs situated in a semi- circle against the hillside of Pageant Grounds. Tapered columns made of
concrete material akin to that used on the Plaza, would separate each of the five granite slabs and have a
reciprocal column on the opposite side of a viewers walkway. In the center of the semi - circle would exist
a basalt carved with the five insignias of the five branches of the military, again cored in the center to
allow water to flow through the basalt and recirculate in a non- pooling fountain base. This design was
not viewed attractive to the Committee primarily for the reason that the Committee did not view
Pageant Grounds suitable for placement of our Tribute to Freedom given that:
1. The location offered little visibility by visitors to the Civic Center given its location and the fact that it
is hidden from those entering the Library parking lot;
2. The hillside created erosion concern.
3. The mechanical elements behind the buildings created a loud muffling sound that would interfere
with celebrations taking place upon the plaza.
4. The Pageant Grounds location requires a bridge for access to the Plaza which does not exist today
and would require additional expense.
Artists Lynott and Guidice provided responses to the weight loads request which follow.
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Tribute to Freedom Benefits
Creates positive portrayal for sacrifices made by service members /veterans
and first responders.
Transforms the Civic Center plaza to fulfill the desired future goals for the
stakeholders in the March 1, 2013 brainstorming meeting by aesthetically
enhancing the plaza with providing an artistic focal point, greenery, shade,
a direct path to the Civic Center from Main Street, lighting for security and
a dramatic nighttime public display.
✓ Shared space - honors and respects local Los Gatans who have served
the duality of their country and their community. They have defended a
virtue of shared importance to Americans — freedom, and contributed
to our local community.
The newly designed plaza provides a multi - functional urban space for civic
ceremonies and reclaims an under -used important public setting
— an inviting location where citizens can relax, attend art gallery showings
and cultural events, host book club meetings and listen to music.
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Tribute to Freedom Benefits Continued
Provides a venue for celebrating patriotic holidays, which in turn serve as a
catalyst for educating the community of Los Gatos on the sacrifices borne by those who have
served America.
v/ Distinguishes and magnifies the Civic Center prominence drawing many
local citizens and visitors to this attraction by creating another reason to
frequent Civic Center and the downtown area.
Los Gatos is a sophisticated town with a small town feel. The Guardians of Liberty includes the
bald eagle, an iconic American symbol of great strength, majestic appearance and freedom. This
symbol, by association, augments the Town's brand and characteristics with a patriotic theme of
honor, respect and gratitude for America's veterans.
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The Veterans Foundation of Los Gatos recommends immediate approval of the Guardians of Liberty
conceptual design for Los Gatos' Tribute to Freedom. Town Council's endorsement of this proposal is
the first step towards fulfilling the community's obligation to honor, respect and support those who have
served to protect the freedoms that all People of our nation have the privilege to enjoy every day in
America.
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