Ingenuity Spring 2018

Pond Ingenuity Spring 2018 23 incorporated structural pieces by local artists: the City contracted separately with local artists to create the exterior sign and a ceiling cloud. Creating an art center within an existing parking garage presented several challenges for the Pond design team. All building systems had to be designed within the framework of the existing structure without altering the parking layout or flow and constructed without interrupting garage operations. Specialized equipment required fume hoods; the design placed fume hood exhausts 60 feet above the Art Center and clay required specialized plumbing to prevent pipe damage from clay clean-up. Pond developed solutions which minimized cost and increased the functionality of the space, while effectively preventing plumbing damage. Pond’s Interior Design team created an interior concept which focused on art creation and ease of maintenance. Initially envisioned as a colorful, vibrant space, Pond’s Interior Designers recognized highly colored spaces inhibit artists’ creativity and that colored surfaces can alter perception of color in the art; therefore, they suggested a neutral interior palette to enhance the creative process. The greys and whites selected for the walls also served to mask dust created in the pottery and woodworking processes. The stained concrete floor hides dirt and is easily cleaned and maintained. Pond is proud of this project which has already significantly enhanced the programming and visibility of City of Columbia’s Art Center by creating a studio space which allows artists to create and showcase their diverse work.