It will also include several fascinating design elements from the Arch's past that visitors might walk by without noticing - or not be able to see in the first place.
Ahead of the Arch's 50th anniversary, St. Louis Public Radio sat down with Ryan McClure, CityArchRiver communications director, to learn more about what eagle-eyed Arch-goers will see.
"There are so many things that are built into this that visitors may notice at some point, but they won't get a lot of attention." -CityArchRiver's Ryan McClure
Saarinen-inspiredlight fixtures
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According to McClure, CityArchRiver designers found an old sketch book featuring Arch's designerEero Saarinen's vision for light fixtures that would dot the original Arch grounds. These mid-century modern designs, which McClure said looked kind of like "flying saucers," were never realized; instead lollipop-shaped lighting was installed. But the designers of the new renovation have been inspired by the original sketches to create new energy efficient lighting for the processional walkways leading to the Arch from the north and south.
"So our designers took that idea that Saarinen had...and we're able to implement something that hearkens back to his design on the Arch grounds." -CityArchRiver's Ryan McClure
Thefaadeof The Old Rock House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=899FQAqY114
