Project Name: I-10 Early Road to I-8
Client: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
Location: Interstate 10, Casa Grande to Jimmie Kerr Boulevard
Completion Date: 2019
Landscape Architect: Wheat Design Group
Contractor: Ames Construction
Stakeholders: ADOT, City of Casa Grande, Gila River Indian Communities
The ADOT I-10 Early Road to I-8 project presented an opportunity to transform standard infrastructure into culturally meaningful public art. The design team faced the challenge of creating highway infrastructure that would not only serve its functional purpose but also reflect and honor the rich cultural heritage of the region, particularly the artistic legacy of the Hohokam people.
Drawing inspiration from the renowned pottery discovered at the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, the project aimed to capture the essence of Hohokam pottery—an artistic tradition characterized by:
Intricate spiral patterns
Flowing water designs
Geometric motifs
Cultural storytelling elements
The project unfolded through a collaborative and research-driven approach:
Historical Research:
The team conducted extensive research into Hohokam pottery patterns and their cultural significance.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
Multiple design reviews involved ADOT, the City of Casa Grande, and the Gila River Indian Communities to ensure cultural authenticity and respect.
Pattern Development:
The distinctive pottery motifs were adapted for large-scale concrete applications while preserving their cultural integrity.
Formwork Creation:
Spec Formliners developed custom concrete form liners that precisely translated the intricate designs into durable infrastructure elements.
The finished project features three distinct design elements, each showcasing different aspects of Hohokam artistic tradition:
Relief Carved Pottery Patterns:
Concrete walls feature deeply embossed spiral and geometric patterns that capture the three-dimensional qualities of traditional pottery.
Water Flow Motifs:
Undulating line patterns represent the critical importance of water in the desert region, echoing traditional water symbols found in Hohokam pottery.
Integrated Design Language:
The various elements work together to create a cohesive visual narrative that transforms the highway corridor into a cultural journey.
The ADOT I-10 Early Road to I-8 project has delivered significant benefits:
Cultural Preservation:
The designs keep Hohokam artistic traditions visible and relevant in contemporary contexts.
Community Pride:
Local residents and the Gila River Indian Communities see their heritage celebrated in public infrastructure.
Enhanced Travel Experience:
What could have been ordinary highway structures now provide visual interest and cultural education for travelers.
Landmark Creation:
The distinctive concrete designs serve as regional landmarks, helping to create a sense of place along the interstate corridor.
Custom form liners were engineered to create precise depth variations, achieving the desired visual impact while meeting structural requirements.
The designs maintain their visual integrity at highway speeds, with patterns scaled appropriately for moving viewpoints.
Weather-resistant concrete finishes ensure the designs will maintain their appearance for decades with minimal maintenance.
The ADOT I-10 Early Road to I-8 project exemplifies how infrastructure can transcend pure utility to become meaningful cultural expression. Through thoughtful collaboration between Spec Formliners, design professionals, and community stakeholders, the project has created infrastructure that serves as both functional transportation elements and as a celebration of regional cultural heritage.
