According to Hakee Chang, an Associate based out of POLLACK architecture’s San Francisco location, the goal of the project was to create an open environment for Richard MacDonald and his partner, Cirque du Soleil. “The idea was to convert the corridor into an engaging space for the public to visit before the show and for theatergoers during the show,” he explained.
And in order to meet this goal, thin pieces of Jerusalem Fossil limestone, supplied by GPI International of North Ridgeville, OH, were selected to clad the gallery walls as well as being featured for millwork, display pedestals and platforms on which the sculptures rest. The material, according to Chang, was selected because of its color and texture. “We liked the lightness in veining that the Jerusalem Fossil limestone has,” he said. “We were looking at other limestone and marbles, but this material worked best with the sculptures, which are predominantly bronze.” “What’s pretty about this stone is that it makes a statement, but also takes its appropriate place as being the backdrop to the sculptures,” added David Quandt, Director of Operations for GPI International. “The material was honed, not polished, and it sets everything off beautifully.”