Navillus Woodworks is proud to share the story behind one of its most ambitious and meaningful projects to date—Scala, a monumental sculpture installed at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Computer Design and Science (CDIS) Building.
To celebrate this achievement, Navillus recently announced the premiere of “Creating Scala,” a short documentary that captures the full journey behind the piece—from early concept to final installation.
A Monumental Vision Brought to Life
Designed by Edra Soto and Dan Sullivan, and fabricated by the Navillus team at Dock 6, Scala is a 17,000-pound, 40’ x 40’ suspended sculpture that lives within one of UIC’s most architecturally significant spaces.
Installed in front of an original wall from Walter Netsch’s historic UIC campus, the piece bridges generations of design—connecting Chicago’s architectural past with its evolving creative future.
But Scala is more than just an impressive structure. It is also a reflection on home, cultural memory, and shared vision, themes that are central to the work behind the project and brought into physical form through precision fabrication.
The Process Behind the Piece
“Creating Scala” documents what it truly takes to bring a project of this magnitude to life. From initial sketches and design development to the engineering challenges and final installation, the film highlights the many hands and minds involved in the process.
This was a true collaborative effort, involving designers, engineers, fabricators, and installers—including Methods & Materials, who led the installation phase. Every step required coordination, craftsmanship, and problem-solving at the highest level.
A True Chicago Collaboration
At its core, Scala is a Chicago story—designed by local artists, built by local craftspeople, and installed in a public academic space that will be experienced by thousands for years to come.
Projects like this reflect what Navillus is all about: translating artistic vision into buildable reality, pushing the limits of material and form, and collaborating with some of the most innovative creative minds in the city.
Experience the Full Story
To learn more about the project and see the full story behind Scala, visit the project page here:
From concept to completion, Scala stands as a testament to what is possible when art, architecture, and fabrication come together. Navillus Woodworks is proud to have been a part of bringing this remarkable vision to life.
