Fort Lewis College Durango, CO
Berndt Hall Addition and Renovation

Budget: $110,000
To be installed Summer 2010

Berndt Hall was originally built in 1956 and added on to in the 60’s. The reconstruction will add 30,000 sq. ft. for the biology department which is one of the largest departments on campus. There will be a greenhouse, labs, and offices. The areas in which the students may take courses include zoology, plant science, agriculture, physiology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology and ecology. There are 200-250 biology majors and 45-50 graduate every year.

Naomi Edelberg Janches, Boulder, CO will create “Cellular Reflections” a glass design which represents how cells function and interact. The glass wall will be set up as a grid of 13 panels with a wooden door in the lower left corner. The glass will flow from one panel to the next allowing for a cohesive work of art that will be viewed and easily experienced from both the interior room and the stairwell.

Paula Castillo of Cordova, NM will create “Fallen pedals” an intuitive experience with a visual language that is unique, innovative and iconic that formally marks both the mission of the Department of Biology to inspire students to develop a profound appreciation for the study of life and the care that went into the renovation of Berndt Hall. The theme plays out in the physicality of the work “fallen petals” will be characterized by the use of generative patterns and structure to showcase this dynamic analogy: the shapes of things influencing the shape of things; and to mark the awareness that the universe itself is a generative system. ”Fallen petals”  will be made out of corten steel and will be sited in the open green space by the entrance to the building. The piece will be approximately 22’X4’X18”.