Urban Trees

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

"Urban Trees" is a series of three stylized steel trees with red, yellow, and green acrylic leaves. The tree branches curve away from the wall they are mounted on, allowing the acrylic leaves to cast colorful shadows. "Urban Trees" was created by Chris "C.J". Rench of Hood River, OR.

The sculptures provide visual interest to the Thornton Crossroads/104th Ave. commuter rail station.

Images

"Urban Trees"

Photo of metal and acrylic tree sculptures with an RTD commuter train in the background

Shadows cast by "Urban Trees"

Photo of shadows and colors cast by tree-shaped sculptures

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

When the Regional Transportation District ("RTD") expanded the commuter rail system into Thornton, the city and RTD collaboratively decided to install unique pieces of public art at each station. Sculptures were installed at the 88th Ave, 104th Ave, and 124th Ave. stations as part of this project.

"Urban Trees" was designed to remind viewers of the connection between urban life and nature. The sculptures are installed high on a wall that divides the , and help create a unique identity for each RTD station. The Thornton Crossroads/104th Ave. station is served by the N-Line commuter train and local bus routes. The station opened in September of 2020.