Orchid City

The installation on Anya, located at 345 Banyan Boulevard in West Palm Beach, is a sculptural intervention spanning the south and east elevations of the structured parking garage attached to the residential high-rise. Commissioned through the ArtLife WPB program, the work was realized in collaboration with Woodfield Development Group and Spina O’Rourke + Partners. Initiated in 2019 and completed in March 2023, the project reflects years of design, coordination, and fabrication.

Titled Orchid City, the sculpture draws from symbolic elements rooted in South Florida, evoking a sense of nostalgia and identity. Referencing West Palm Beach’s lesser-known nickname, the work revives the “Orchid City” as a point of pride, connecting the city’s past with its present and future. The enlarged orchid forms serve as both tribute and reminder, reinforcing our interconnectedness with the natural world and the importance of coexistence.

Beyond its symbolism, the project transforms a utilitarian parking structure into a site of cultural and visual engagement. The facade becomes an active surface, elevating the structure into a work of art that resonates with the surrounding community. Drawing from both mural traditions and material-based painting practices, the sculpture integrates seamlessly with the building while maintaining a distinct presence.

The installation process spanned four months and required meticulous craftsmanship. Each batten was individually scribed and cut to contour the orchid forms, creating the illusion that the elements are embedded within the facade while concealing structural and lighting components. The use of 3-Form material balances durability with refinement, allowing the work to withstand South Florida’s climate while achieving varying levels of translucency.

By day, natural light interacts with the surface; by night, concealed lighting transforms the sculpture into a luminous presence. As a public artwork, Orchid City has become a focal point in downtown West Palm Beach, encouraging engagement, movement, and a deeper connection between the community, its built environment, and its natural heritage.