Civic Artwork

Body

Did you know that all new and renovated City of Houston facilities must dedicate 1.75% of the construction budget towards civic art? We partnered with the Houston Arts Alliance to acquire and commission art pieces from 12 artists. You can find civic art pieces throughout the building, even in the most unexpected places. 

With hundreds of visitors flowing through the building daily, we wanted the art to be engaging and dynamic, reflect the diversity of the city, reveal the work that goes on inside the building, and reflect the city's commitment with green building practices, recycling and reuse. 

Cultural Diversity

One major theme of the art pieces relates to Houston's topography. The artist Aggie etched metal panels for the Information Desk and Security Desk with acid in the topography of Houston.

acid etched metal
Acid etched metal by Aggie

 

The geography of Houston is also on display with art pieces by GONZO 247. He has two pieces alluding to Houston's highway system and buildings. Other pieces highlight Houston's east side - focusing on the coffee plant and manufacturing. 

information highway
2nd floor lobby mural

 

Words and Phrases

Words and phrases that nod to the permitting process can be found throughout the floors. Not all sayings are in English, however. Sign language and barcodes can be found as well.

mural of words and phrases with plexiglass
3rd floor lobby mural

 

Playful sticky notes were placed on walls throughout the building. Can you find them all?

sticky note painted on wall
Sticky note

 

Sustainability and Recycling

Recycled and re-purposed materials can be found in artwork throughout the building. From the recycled metals in the Torrent piece located in our Green Building Resource center to the the reclaimed wood used in the barcodes above the permit counter.

bar code in wood
4th floor, Green barcode

    

Green, sustainable paints - with low VOCs - was used in the mural in the basement. Houston's diversity is also on display, featuring the major languages spoken: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Arabic. A further dimension to the recycling mural is added when you consider Arabic is read from right to left - completing the circle of recycling. 

recycling words in multiple languages
Basement mural

 

Dynamic art 

Participatory art can be found on the 1st floor. Sound meters were placed around the columns of the waiting area and the waves are displayed above the kiosk.  

sound meter
Sound meter on column

 

Relieve some stress with the X piece. Not only does it allude to the East End of Houston with the coffee plant along Canal/Navigation. The coffee bags contain chimes with different tones. Compose a tune while you wait.