Charlottesville, VA
with Robert Winstead, AIA

 The first of its kind in the public realm of the U.S., this interactive, democratic and uncensored monument to the first amendment provides a venue for the practice of the right to free expression. A 60’ long by 7’ high slate chalk wall acts as the medium for this important civil right. The chalkboard, once the quintessential symbol of learning, was chosen as an inherently flexible, symbolic and universally recognizable form for this interactive public art project located in front of the Charlottesville City Hall. People of all walks of life, every economic stratum, all political affiliations, races, religions and sexual orientations, all levels of education and of every age actively engage the monument on a regular basis. They express themselves with chalk words and images and utilize the podium to present their opinions to the public. The Chalkboard is a destination for both the community and people from outside of the region, becoming the place of choice for political demonstrations, art installations and ad hoc oration.

The project received one of four Urban Excellence Silver Medals in the prestigious biannual Bruner Award program for urban design. This award allowed Siteworks to collaborate with Piedmont Council of the Arts and The Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative on a unique public art project entitled Story|Line. Currently entering its 6th year,the project joins educators,artists and designers with local youth to explore and interpret the places where they live.

This project exemplifies our commitment to developing projects that are dynamic, flexible and interactive.

2013 Virginia ASLA Presidential Award of Excellence and the Community Service Honor Award for The StoryLine Project. Charlottesville, VA.

2009 Silver Medal:The Rudy Bruner Urban Excellence Award

2009 INFORM Award-Virginia AIA

2008 Tucker Award-Building Stone Institute

2007 Excellence in Architecture Award-Virginia AIA

2007 Merit Award-Virginia ASLA