1979 - 1981

Torque - Hilltop Plaza, Richmond, California

This monumental landmark on a hilltop in Richmond, California consists of twelve precast concrete elements and extends forty feet (12 meters) above the average elevation of the plaza. The sections step down from the central torsion structural element, held together with post-tensioned steel cables. The sculpture is surrounded by a landscaped area (40 feet by 40 feet by 60 feet / 12 meters by 12 meters by 18 meters).

Structural engineers: T.Y. Lin International, San Francisco, California

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI), 6th Design Awards 1981: “The way the sculpture is executed shows the fluidity of concrete. A striking balance which gives relief to the auto park. Art, pure and simple.”

Mr. Overhoff working to install the steel rebar and concrete foundation for the 3 story Torque. He is always demonstrating his hands-on building techniques.

All but most of Mr. Overhoff’s works require low-boy craning for permanent installation. This photo depicts that work with local engineers in 1978.

Mr. Overhoff’s monumental sculptural public artworks have all required heavy duty equipment for on-site installations.

Jacques Overhoff’s original charcoal drafting sketch 1987.

Overhoff’s styrofoam architectural model in 1987 to illustrate scale.

Mr. Overhoff’s desk in 1980 during the construction period of the Torque. Overhoff is most well known for his pilot shaped Ray Ban glasses.