Behold Crescendo. This isn’t just any bench. This eight-ton marvel is a testament to Williamsburg’s transformation.
Crescendo is a public art sculpture. It sits at the end of a pier. It’s the brainchild of Mark Gibian. He’s a local artist who’s witnessed Williamsburg’s evolution firsthand. He wanted Crescendo to reflect both the area’s industrial past and its modern waterfront.
The sculpture’s massive size is impressive. It took months to obtain permits for its transport. Imagine the logistical hurdle of moving an 18-foot-wide load. Gibian had to transport it in three pieces from his upstate studio. Then he welded it together in his Brooklyn studio.
Crescendo’s design is striking. Two graceful crescents form both a bench and a canopy. The opposing curves create a pleasing visual effect. Gibian explains the name perfectly. He says it “gets louder as it goes up”. The upward sweep of the curves conveys a sense of ascending sound.
The steel bars are filled with stainless steel mesh. This mesh provides seating and shade. It wasn’t installed immediately though. It arrived by ship later. The precise forms are described by Gibian as “calligraphy in space”. They subtly evoke both aquatic and industrial forms. The curved shapes hint at a ship’s hull. The metal bars recall the structure of a bridge.
Crescendo isn’t just pretty. It’s functional too. It’s a place to relax. It offers a shaded respite. It’s a harmonious blend of art and utility.
The placement was part of a larger development project. Toll Brothers a developer was obligated to build this pier. This was a condition of the 2005 Williamsburg-Greenpoint waterfront rezoning. Gibian’s prior work including a Cable Crossing installation at the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station secured him the commission for Crescendo. He’s even working on a piece for Hudson River Park.
So next time you’re strolling along the Williamsburg waterfront remember Crescendo. It’s more than just a sculpture. It’s a story of an evolving neighborhood. It’s a testament to the power of art to transform public spaces. It is a unique example of urban art.