Discover a unique collection of 10 public art benches located within the Theatre District Living and Learning Neighborhood at UC San Diego's Eighth College. Crafted from durable aluminum and luminous glass using James Stone's signature cut-and-cast method, each bench is a functional piece of art.
This project represents a unique collaboration between professional artist James Stone (Stone & Glass, Escondido) and the UCSD community. Designs were submitted by students and faculty, with the selected winners collaborating directly with James in the fabrication process.
Use the interactive map below to find each bench, learn its story, and appreciate the creativity sparked by campus life. Tap a gold marker to reveal more details and photos below the map!
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Take a self-guided walking tour to discover all 10 benches across the UCSD Eighth College area. Each bench tells a unique story and showcases different artistic styles.
Click on any bench marker on the map to see images and get walking directions to that specific location. You can also view the complete tour by clicking "View All Benches Tour" in any bench's detail section.
The entire tour takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace, covering roughly 1 mile in total. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended!
The designs for these 10 benches originated from a campus-wide call for artists, engaging both students and faculty. Selected designers had the invaluable opportunity to work alongside James Stone at his Escondido studio (Stone & Glass), participating in the fabrication process and bringing their concepts to life in glass and aluminum.
This initiative not only beautifies the Eighth College neighborhood but also provides real-world experience for aspiring artists and designers within the UCSD community. Look for designer credits associated with each bench as you explore.
Special thanks to the UCSD Craft Center and university partners for supporting this public art installation.