Architect: Gensler
General Contractor: Sundt
Subcontractor: Burner Sheet Metal
System: Picperf
In the vibrant city of Chula Vista, California, a groundbreaking project was recently completed at Southwestern College. The visionaries behind this project had a collective goal to construct a cutting-edge Institutional Technology Building that would revolutionize the campus landscape.
However, this project was not just about functionality and modern design. It was also an opportunity to infuse the rich cultural heritage of Southwestern College into the very fabric of the building. Enter the talented artist and art professor, Mark Van Stone, an expert in Maya Hieroglyphs and calligraphy.
Mark Van Stone’s collaboration with Gensler was inspired and deeply rooted in the spirit of the Maya civilization. He embarked on a mission to design unique Maya glyphs for each of the new buildings at Southwestern College. With his intricate strokes and deep understanding of Maya culture, Professor Stone brought the ancient glyphs to life, infusing them with relevance and symbolism for the modern era.
Valmont Industries, Inc. Webforge Locker team stepped up to the challenge. Together, they created the innovative PicPerf Glyph panels, which not only provided much-needed shade but also incorporated the Maya glyphs seamlessly.
These PicPerf Glyph panels were not mere sunshades; they were an artistic expression in themselves. The Valmont team skillfully perforated the panels, mimicking the intricate patterns of the Maya glyphs. As sunlight filtered through the perforations, it created a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, transforming the building’s facade into a living canvas.
The result of this remarkable collaboration was a masterpiece that merged art, culture, and sustainable technology. As the Southwestern College’s new Institutional Technology Building stood tall, it exuded an aura of innovation and reverence for the past. The Maya glyphs, designed by Mark Van Stone, breathed life into the architecture, telling a story of resilience, wisdom, and cultural heritage.
The Southwestern College’s new Institutional Technology Building became a testament to the power of collaboration, where art, architecture, and technology converged to create a space that celebrated history, inspired creativity, and embraced sustainable innovation. It stands as a beacon of progress, a symbol of unity between the past and the future, and an ode to the spirit of Southwestern College.
