The controversial southeast corner of 40th and Locust streets is getting a metallic finish and a touch of French flair.
The installation of French-made stainless steel components of the public-art project known as Plateau began Monday.
The project is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 20.
The metal panels arrived Nov. 23 and passed customs inspections in Elizabeth, N.J. before arriving on campus.
The panel's fabricator, Patrick Ferragne, and his team of construction workers also arrived from France on Saturday to prepare for the assemblage of the steel parts.
"If you go out there, what you'll see is a lot of components all wrapped up in plastic," said Susan Davis, director of public art programs for the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia.
According to an e-mail from Facilities and Real Estate Service spokesman Tony Sorrentino, the concrete benches that are included in the project were set in place last week.
Installation of the stainless steel parts is expected to be completed Monday.
Davis said that the construction crew did not run into any problems while laying the groundwork and foundation for the artwork.
"Happily, there were no surprises," she said. "That's the best part of having good plans to work from."
Additional work for the project includes repaving the sidewalk along 40th street, installing sculpture lighting, landscaping and planting trees.
Davis said that Plateau will prove useful to students looking for a place to study, relax or enjoy the outdoors.
"People will look at it and say, 'Well, I don't see the artwork,' but they have to keep looking," she said.
Andrea Blum -- the project's artist, who will be on-site during the installation of the metal components -- said that the public must determine how it will interact with the art.
"I put certain elements there," she said. "How in fact it will be activated, I have no idea."
Engineering junior Priscilla Spencer said she would probably sit outside on one of the benches to study, particularly when the weather permits.
