Kenan-Flagler Business School
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC

Although I made the cut as one of three finalists, the Public Art Program in North Carolina was terminated before this project could move forward.

approx. dimensions: maximum width 17’-0” by 60’-0” ht

German mouthblown glass, etched plate glass, lenses, dichroic glass, lead and solder.

From explanatory notes that accompanied the designs for SOARING:

As a vertical extension of the entry that welcomes from the outside while providing a vantage for views to wooded areas and sky from the inside, I immediately understood how important these windows are. While the clerestory expands upwards from more constricted spaces below, the windows themselves also expand, yielding enhanced views into and from the passageways and circular stairwell to the outside. These exciting views, which will dramatically change during the day and through the seasons, have been preserved in this proposal through the inclusion of over 50% unobscured clear window glass.

In plan view the circular stairs are one of the most dynamic architectural details. This is one of the main circulation nodes that connects all levels with each other and the outdoors. The strong forms of and surrounding the circular stair are anticipated by the rising circular shapes and spiraling bands that waft upwards in the windows. The intimate association of these stairs with ideas of education, enlightenment, and (higher) learning is underscored in this proposed design for the windows.

David Moore of Calloway Johnson Moore & West explained that the fenestration of the windows in this area emphasizes the vertical. The rich, textural columns of lenses that begin on each side of the double doors and continue up beyond level four, along with the central column of applied glass tiles underscore this sense of verticality.

Color at this point, while as important as the rich textures of the glass that contain it, is open to revision. A more informed palette can be established, with input especially from Julie Barlow of CJMW once interior finishes are finalized.

NOTES: Once the glass art has been encapsulated into the Insulated Glass Units specified for the window wall, the windows will be just as safe and nearly maintenance-free as they would be without glass art.

Lighting and the treatment of adjacent spaces are not a primary issue with this type of installation thanks to the animation and interest of the glasses in all lighting situations, both natural and artificial. At night there will be plenty of light around the stairwell to illuminate the windows to the outside. Direct spot-lighting is discouraged due to the garish hotspots that will result.