location: Main Terrain Urban Park, Chattanooga, Tennessee
dimensions: 1.72 acres
materials: Earthcasting (reinforced concrete with iron oxide cast in molds dug from the earth), Corten steel, terrazzo, mechanical system
Main Terrain (2013) is a public art piece by American artist Thomas Sayre. Main Terrain exists at the termination point of long-abandoned rail lines in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Main Terrain celebrates the act of “bringing together” in various ways. The work represents the bridging of physical space between the city’s convention center and its renovated “main street” and other surrounding communities. Main Terrain’s interactive elements encourage visitors to move through and use the park, which also serves as a sophisticated storm water retention and re-use area.