UNC Charlotte’s new 130,000-sf science building recreates a dynamic new interdisciplinary center of research and education, housing the Departments of Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. The facility’s expansive lobby presented a unique opportunity to create a dynamic feature wall in the two-story space.
Concept, creativity, and coordination were the driving forces behind the development and implementation of this captivating feature wall. The team worked in an integrated design development process with both faculty and students to explore options for graphically depicting discoveries and advances within the realm of interdisciplinary science. During early concept development, an evolving series of graphic designs and images were presented, reviewed, and revised to ensure an accurate representation of each discipline.
The multi-dimensional installation showcases the interdisciplinary research and education taking place throughout the building. Framed graphics, raised acrylic panels, and 3D elements combine to create a unique representation of advances in physics, chemistry, and biology at the molecular level. The large-scale graphic alludes to the notes, equations, and sketches that are fundamental to the discovery process, including depictions of quantum mechanics equations, antibonding orbitals, contour plots, and an electron charge map.
The new installation represents yet another unique and exciting complement to North Carolina’s Urban Research University.
