art-in-architecture program: request for qualifications

The Art-in-Architecture Program of the Capital Development Board is pleased to announce a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to Illinois professional artists to create permanent original public art for The Phillip J. Rock Center and School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

A new 24,665 square foot building is being constructed to replace the existing facility built in the 1960s. Once complete, the existing building will be demolished to make way for a playground and site improvements.

The Philip J. Rock Center and School is more than a facility; it is an extended family to parents and their children who live with both hearing and vision disabilities. Our devoted staff accompany the kids throughout the day, constantly working toward the goal of helping each student live as independently as possible according to their personal abilities. The shared vision of "Together for Independence" makes this a reality.

The Philip J. Rock Center and School serves students who are deafblind, blind or visually impaired, or deaf or hard-of-hearing. Also, many students have mental and/or physical impairments. These students have multiple needs and require a functional academic curriculum with a focus on daily living skills. It is a publicly funded residential school serving students from the age of three through their twenty-second birthday/school year. Visit The Philip J. Rock Center and School website to learn more.

ARTWORK SITE

The Committee is seeking an exterior sculpture which serves to greet visitors, students, and staff at the entrance of the building. This sculpture is to be multisensory and appropriate for all ages. It would benefit from visual components, tactile components, and maybe even auditory or olfactory components as well. Reference pages 7-9 for renderings of the building and artwork site.

ARTISTIC OBJECTIVES

The Committee’s goal is for the sculpture to be sensory, interactive, joyful, and welcoming. It must be accessible to the visually impaired and deaf. This artwork must be created with love to echo the staff’s passion.

While not playground equipment, the artwork should be an artful playscape that meets all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as the Illinois Accessibility Code. It must be durable, safe, and cost-effective to maintain with limited annual maintenance.