Wondering about the new doors between the research towers?
“Opening Doors” was created by Colorado artist Christopher Weed, who envisioned the sculptures with three goals in mind:
 |
| “Opening Doors” is a series of three large-scale doors, created with the intention of drawing a connection between the educational and research missions of Research Complex 1 and Education 1A. |
To draw a connection between the educational and research missions
of the facility To
be colorful, thoughtful, and humorous, providing visual relief from
the intensities of the activities within the academic walls To
create pieces large enough to stand on their own, while not detracting
from the surrounding architecture"As its title suggests, “Opening Doors” is all about the doors that are opened in our subconscious when we challenge ourselves through higher education, and the promise of science opening doors to exciting new discoveries in the biomedical field, unlocking answers to many diseases,” said Weed.
 |
| “Opening Doors” at the Fitzsimons campus was created - and installed - by Colorado artist Christopher Weed. |
My intent is not to shock, but to ultimately inspire a sense of awe through visual stimulation. “The doors provide a playful, creative and thought-provoking connection between the educational and research functions of the buildings.”
Background
In 1977 the Colorado General assembly passed the Art in Public
Places Act, requiring allocation of one percent of the construction cost
of new or renovated state-owned buildings for the acquisition of works
of art for the project site. These art acquisitions form the state art
collection, developed and administered by the Colorado Council on the
Arts.
The funding
Education Facility IA is part of Research Complex 1, occupying
the ground floor of the north tower. The 22,000 square feet of space includes
a 100-seat auditorium; 4 small group learning rooms; 12 multipurpose teaching
labs; a computer teaching lab; supporting prep labs; a student lounge and
student lockers. As a publicly funded project, one percent of the $6.8 million
is allocated for public art. The final project budget was $40,091.
The process
In order to implement Art in Public Places, a committee is formed
for each project, including artists, architects, and the host community,
with the AIPP acting as a formal mechanism for integrating the art experience
into the built environment and civic spaces. The AIPP program has commissioned
or purchased over 350 works of art for the enhancement of state buildings
and the enjoyment of the citizens of Colorado.
