The historic 1920s Hahn building in downtown Evanston by architect John Nyden has long caught my eye. Pale green architectural ornamentation on the building facade connects the built and natural worlds with curving imagery of flora and fauna in structured symmetrical sections. Under the direction of designer Karen Behles, the shared interior spaces in the Hahn building are being upgraded. Karen invited me to develop site-specific art pieces for their lobby. The travertine clad walls in the entrance hall and lobby create a warm neutral backdrop for crisp art pieces in glass. Pale green foliage elements connect with both the architectural ornamentation on the facade and Evanston's urban forest. Rendered in olive and driftwood gray glass, these curving, organic elements contrast with the graphic city forms and intertwining linear lake elements. The palette of soft whites, olive green and layered blues complements and plays off the neutral travertine cladding.
I trust this concept will offer visual engagement for the community of professionals using this building for years to come.
More images and about this project here.