The 27TH Avenue Solid Waste Management Facility is one of the nation's largest, most comprehensive waste management and recycling centers. Designed to reverse the "out of sight, out of mind" approach to waste management, it advanced a new national model for infrastructure that both serves and informs the community. The artists began their work by identifying all site elements that could add meaning to the place. Their work shaped all aspects of the site and building, including road configuration, the building layout, structure and materials, and the surrounding landscape. They designed the entire site and building to maximize visual access to and integration of the facility's activities, and to become a center for environmental education. To accomplish their concepts, the artists provided scale drawings, models, and concept statements to Black & Veatch, the engineering firm hired by the City to develop the project construction documents. The 27th Avenue SWMF led the way in making public education central to recycling efforts in Phoenix and throughout the nation. This landmark project was produced through a strong partnership between the Phoenix Arts Commission and Public Works Department, artists and engineers.
