White oak, mild steel

Men's Emergency Shelter, 11600 Nebel Street, North Bethesda Maryland

Each bench is roughly 10’ long

Two massive sculptural benches are set outside the main entrance of the Men’s Emergency Shelter. Built of steel and carved white oak, the benches lend weight and presence to the entrance space, provide interesting and comfortable seating for staff and clients, and help organize movement through this heavily used entrance. Each bench is paired with a large round planter of matching riveted steel, containing gingko trees and colorful annuals to cheer and shade the space. The intention is to create pieces which look better with wear and time, of generous quality, and which dignify all who approach the mens’ shelter.

With support of a PAAM Planning Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, and with the intention to better understand the needs of the space and community, we hosted a series of four 2-hour drawing classes at the shelter, teaching academic drawing skills to a range of shelter clients. Site meetings also included stakeholders from The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless leadership, on-site shelter operations staff, Montgomery County Health and Human Services, the Client Services Team, the Montgomery County Department of General Services and Facilities, landscaping professionals, and numerous informal visits and discussions with shelter clients throughout the building and outside.

The benches are built of 6-8’ long carved timbers milled from local white oak and arranged around a central curved steel spine with a sculpted steel crosspiece and inset steel bar supports. These are abstract sculptures with functional use, designed to embody purpose and support. The simple lines of steel express strength and direction, the curved and organic wood seats give compassion and warmth, and the sweeping proportions and material use are meant to give more than the minimum, to greet visitors with generosity and comfort.

Project installed May 2024.