Client: White Castle

Overview

The transformative, high-design world headquarters of White Castle inspire this project. We interpreted this transformation into butterfly imagery. The abstracted butterfly inspired imagery creates layers of meaning. This project integrates art into the site by providing a backdrop and a frame for activity in the linear park and for the special occasions when the road becomes a festival street. This continuous gesture between the road and the office parking lot completes the envelope along the edge of the linear park, directing flow to the river. The 11 feet tall, 5 feet wide and 120 feet long, arching array of screens divide the uses of the space, demarcating the public space of the park from the parking lot, providing an artistic visual barrier. The screen’s dynamic patterning is in dialogue with the cultural programming and activities that will enliven this space, serving as a memorable background. The natural patina of the weathering steel, a sustainable material, ties the screens to the environment.

Goals

White Castle's new HQ campus features a festival street with a linear park running down its center. This street runs along a parking lot for an office building. The goals of this work were to:
• screen the parking lot from the festival street
• continue the edge of the office building to define the space
• transition from the hard architecture of the office building to the soft riverside landscaping
• reference the metaphor of renewal as symbolized by the butterfly

Process

We worked closely with White Castle and their development team and landscape architects, POD Design, under the guidance of Designing Local, and with the fabrication expertise of JunoWorks.

Additional Information

"Vicki and her team truly exceeded expectations throughout the entire project. Their visionary approach wasn't just about creating a beautiful artwork, but about seamlessly integrating it with the specific needs of the site. They took into account the client's desires while also proposing creative solutions that fostered a strong sense of place within the development. For example, the design cleverly screened an existing parking lot and provided space for beautiful native plantings creating a sense of continuity with the natural landscape. This thoughtful approach not only enhanced the aesthetics but also fostered a deeper connection between the artwork and its surroundings. Furthermore, the artwork played a dual role by strategically placing panels which provided a visually appealing barrier between the parking lot and the park, mitigating the visual impact of parked cars. This clever solution addressed a practical concern while maintaining the overall artistic integrity. Ultimately, Vicki's team delivered an artwork that transcended its function. It wasn't just a piece of art; it became a valuable amenity for residents. The beautiful patterns provided a focal point for the community, encouraging residents to gather and enjoy the space." Amanda Golden Designing Local, Ltd