Atlanta Beltline

The Service Station

Fuel is a sculptural installation that takes a stylized form of the familiar gas station pavilion and…

From beltline.org/art/the-service-station ↗

About this program

re-purposes it as a shelter for rest along the Beltline. Two triangular piers hold a sloped roof providing shelter from sun and rain. Underneath, a collection of railroad tie-like lumber atop crushed granite. The pavilion is a familiar symbol, reinforced by a colored "branding" stripe and the bold word "FUEL" in place of a logotype.

Evoking thoughts about the automobile's dependence on gasoline and our local and national over-dependence on motorway transportation, the pavilion is noticeably devoid of the usual gas pumps; instead, wood beams are laid in a loose pattern on a crushed gravel ballast, mimicking railroad ties. The "ties", a nod to the Beltline's history and future, are laid in a loose pattern and create a flexible space for relaxing and play. In addition to its day-to-day function, the shelter's shape lends itself to a small performance stage, offering some shelter for performers and equipment, and a place for lighting equipment to be attached if electricity is available.