Navillus is proud to share a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Scala,” a monumental sculptural commission designed by Dan Sullivan in collaboration with renowned artist Edra Soto, set to be installed at the University of Illinois Chicago’s new Computer Science Building.
Measuring an impressive 40 feet by 40 feet, this large-scale work is being mounted on one of the original Walter Netsch-designed structures, merging architectural legacy with contemporary design. The fabrication is a feat of precision and scale—over one mile of 3-inch thick poplar is being shaped to create 485 hexagonal components, each handcrafted and assembled to form a vast, textured visual plane.
In the shop, the team has been busy rolling up assemblies barrel-style, as seen with Jason and Kate preparing sections for the next step—cross-cutting on our massive band saw using a custom sled, followed by intensive sanding and finishing. Each hexagonal piece will ultimately be conjoined and delivered in sections, ready to be installed on-site.
Pictured below, Remy receives one of eight bundles ready for processing—just a small glimpse into the scale of this endeavor. With so many components in play, completed pieces are being stored in a shipping container to keep pace with production.
We’re excited to see “Scala” become a permanent fixture of this transformative space—a true intersection of art, architecture, and fabrication. Stay tuned for the installation phase of this remarkable project, and hats off to the entire Navillus team for their dedication, craft, and creative energy!
