Art in Architecture
A university program administered by F&S Capital Programs leans into the value of public space—for most new buildings or major additions, there is space, money, and architectural considerations set aside for public art.
“The Resolution for an Art in Architecture Policy approved by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees on January 20, 2011, established a policy for all new building and major remodeling projects requiring Board approval, to devote 0.5% of the construction budget to securing works of art that shall be placed within public areas at the project site.”
An Art in Architecture Committee leads each project to help determine the artist and placement, as well as organize the responsible employees and necessary equipment. Members of each committee include F&S capital programs professionals, like architects and designers.
Art in Architecture (AiA) helped secure art at buildings like Wassaja Hall, Electrical & Computer Engineering Building, and Law Building, and many others.
Below are more examples featured in F&S INSIDER Magazine.
Cosmic Vision
Cynthia Miller was awarded the AiA commission at Talbot Laboratory for her work ‘Cosmic Vision’, a series of 39 pieces of copper enameling. They line a wall in a stairwell, visible through glass from the outside.
A 12-person panel, consisting of F&S Capital Programs, two people from the building user group, a person from the U. of I. System office, and a representative from the architecture firm, reviewed the work of Miller and other competitors before awarding the Illinois grad who now lives in Arizona.
Mammoth
“Having unique sculptures on campus helps enhance the environments,” said Erika Lee, F&S Capital Programs. “Artwork in general should contribute to student pride and appreciation.”
In this case, geology professor Stephen Marshak believes the sculpture outside the Natural History Building is a mammoth educational opportunity.
“We decided to use the ‘Art in Architecture’ funds in a way that provides a dramatic sculpture, and one that could become a landmark on campus. It is also something that will be a learning experience for students, staff, and the public. It will draw attention to the activities of NHB, and to the heritage of the second oldest academic building on campus,” said Marshak.
Grasp
The piece Grasp comes as part of the major renovations to Sidney Lu Mechanical Engineering Building which started in 2019. The Grainger College of Engineering had requested a sculpture that moves from wind or rain or somehow moves. Artist Pete Beeman was chosen in July 2021.
“The sculpture has purpose and meaning to the facility in which it stands in front of,” she said. “Beeman’s expertise in engineering fit the artwork call for this facility extremely well.”
Thousands of passersby offered their thoughts, real-time, as Beeman and F&S got the art in place.
“It’s been fun to do with this many people around. I get all my usual responses and a whole lot more. My favorite response is when somebody walks up and says, “What the hell is that?!” with a big smile on their face. I know that’s just right. There’s been a lot of super positive responses. It’s been really nice.”
Related Providers
Providers
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) 
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) is involved any time the physical fabric of the campus is considered for alteration. Its mission is to create, review, and maintain comfortable, healthy, safe, and sustainable facilities in support of the academic mission.
