WATER FALL - 1969
Water Fall was constructed from custom glazed ceramic blocks. The square blocks created a highly textured abstract surface within an 80ft. x 10 ft. recess on an end wall of the Robinson’s building. The surface design was shallower and more geometric at its outer edges but protruded more towards the center to create a ‘spine’ of sweeping organic marks in high relief. The energetic design was visually held within a grid pattern, the lines of which were created wherever the blocks abutted.
Flickr user Paul Burckhart has noted that the sculpture “originally had water running down it, plus lights at the top of the waterfall and bells in the carillon.” [1] Flickr user Darren Bradley confirmed that “there were bells at one point in the carillon.” [2]
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Robinson’s Department Store
7057 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108
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1969
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William L. Pereira & Associates
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Glazed ceramic, water, light, possibly sound.
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80 ft. x. 10 ft.
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Unknown
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Likely Robinson’s, but possibly Ernest W. Hahn, who developed the mall.
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By 2013, the bells, water, and any light feature had been removed and the glazed bricks were covered in grey paint, as seen in the photograph right.
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Photographs are by "ArchiTexty." Permission sought, via flickr message, 12.14.2023. https://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/8658119060/in/photostream/
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While not officially a ‘pair,’ Water Fall (1969) and Wind Chimes(1967) share key characteristics: both aresculpted walls made by the same artist, for the same architect and store. They have the same dimensions, a similar position beside the store’s porticoed entrance, and seemingly a similar function to provide an attractive landmark that draws in shoppers from the mall parking lots. At the same time, both are flirting with movement and sound, and colored light.
Ernest Hahn (then the largest mall developer in the West) developed Fashion Valley in 1969 as an open air, one-story mall. It has since been remodeled at least three times. In 2006, Robinson’s-May left Fashion Valley. Its building is now occupied by Bloomingdales.
“Before the parking garage was built next to it, it was a landmark that everyone noticed and appreciated from the freeway.” [3]
[1] P. Burckhart commenting on the Flickr account of ArchiTexty, 2013, flickr.com. Accessed December 13, 2023.
[2] D. Bradley commenting on the Flickr account of ArchiTexty, 2013, flickr.com. Accessed December 14, 2023.
[3] D. Bradley commenting on the Flickr account of ArchiTexty, 2013, flickr.com. Accessed December 14, 2023.
