A Citation for Art Preservation is awarded for the restoration of Marble Garden, a 1955 Modernist landscape sculpture by Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer at the Aspen Institute. This pioneering work of land art consisting of twenty-one upright marble slabs set on a marble aggregate base, with an inset reflecting pool and fountain, was in disrepair due to poor drainage, structural instability, and the freeze thaw cycle of harsh Aspen winters. Landscape architects were tasked with saving this sculpture without knowledge from the artist about the original materials, construction methods, or documentation of the built work. Restoration plans were based on historic research, a survey, archival materials, and information gleaned during the careful deconstruction process. The stones were cleaned and returned to their original luster and foundations were stabilized. The crumbling concrete slab was replaced with matching aggregate and corrosion and water management issues were addressed. This effort was an exercise in synthesizing artistic intent, material selection, and construction methods in the context of the Modernist Movement and its relationship to Aspen, Colorado. 

Aspen Institute

Design Workshop: Richard Shaw (Principal), Meg Plumb (Project Manager), Ashley Hejtmanek (Interim Project Manager), Chris Perkes, Jessica Perreault, Shannon Sylte, Sam Daniel (Award Graphics), Moritz Jahn (Award Graphics), Xinyu Li (Award Graphics); Lissa Ballinger, Aspen Institute (Art Curator); KL&A (Structural Engineer); Wiss, Janney, Elstner & Associates (Stone Preservationist); GF Woods Construction (General Contractor); Roaring Fork Landscapes (Landscape Contractor)