JAPANESE AMERICAN HERITAGE INSTALLATION
JAPANESE AMERICAN HERITAGE INSTALLATION
Interpretive design highlighting the history of Bellevue’s Japanese-American farming community along a new section of Eastrail, a bike and pedestrian trail. Initiated by Isan Bellevue, a Japanese-American community group, the project was community-led, with the group guiding the interpretive vision and participating in artist selection.
The design focuses on two key areas. The Bridge Span features a large mural by Erin Shigaki and Mari Shibuya, integrating historic photographs and text printed on segmented panels incorporated into the new bridge structure. The North Mixing Zone includes two shoji screen-inspired interpretive metal walls on the west and east sides of the trail. The west wall showcases a large-scale mural by Lauren Iida and a cut-metal fence. The east wall features three large cut-metal panels by Aki Sogabe, backed by perforated metal and illuminated from the base at night. Text for the project was written by poet Larry Matsuda.
Design firm: EDX Exhibits
Client: King County Parks, Eastrail
Location: Eastrail NE 8th St Bridge, Bellevue, WA
Year: 2024 (open)
BRIDGE SPAN
NORTH MIXING ZONE WEST WALL
FENCE ON WEST SIDE
NORTH MIXING ZONE EAST WALL