How to provide input 

• Attend the meeting and provide comments in person
• Email comments in advance to clerk@carlsbadca.gov by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9

About the proposed design 
The proposed artwork features layered, sculptural panels inspired by native and cultivated plants that reflect Carlsbad’s coastal setting and community identity. 

The artwork will be located on all four exterior corners of the underpass, with related floral compositions on opposite corners.

• Harding Street side (northwest and southwest corners): Birds-of-paradise, Matilija poppy, white sage and opuntia
• Pio Pico Drive side (northeast and southeast corners): Poinsettia, ranunculus, California poppy and freesia

Each side will feature a similar, nearly mirrored floral composition on the opposite corner, creating a balanced visual experience for people traveling through the area. 

The design also:

• Combines plant forms from different time periods and cultural influences to show how the area has evolved over time
• Incorporates community-suggested species such as bird-of-paradise (Carlsbad’s city flower), ranunculus from the Flower Fields and native succulents
• Introduces a broader range of colors and layered metal panels to create a more dynamic and welcoming experience
• Uses durable materials designed for long-term performance in the underpass environment

View the updated design concept 

West side rendering (near Harding Street) 

East side rendering (near Pio Pico Drive) 

How input shaped the design 
More than 300 community members shared feedback on a draft design concept earlier this year. That input led to several updates, including:

• Adding more color and variation
• Strengthening connections to Carlsbad through locally meaningful plants
• Incorporating coastal elements
• Better reflecting Barrio history and culture through plant selection and storytelling
• Including specific plant species suggested by the community 

City staff and the artist team have refined the design since April based on feedback from Caltrans on maintenance and safety, as well as input from the Arts Commission.

The updated design would use powder-coated aluminum with printed graphics, UV-resistant ink and a UV-protective film to help protect the artwork over time. The artist team also softened the corners and edges to address potential safety concerns.

Read the full public input summary.

Next steps

• The City Council will consider approving the final design on June 9.
• If approved, the city will submit an application to Caltrans for a Transportation Art Proposal, which is required for artwork in the underpass area.
• The city will also develop a fabrication contract with the artist and return to the City Council for approval before fabrication begins. 

More information
Chestnut underpass public art
Community input report 
Art in Public Places Program