SERVICES

Architectural/Engineering

CONSTRUTION COST

$350,000

START / COMPLETE

1986 - 1988

SIZE

517,000 s.f.

BEI provided architectural services for the renovation of Rivera Court, a courtyard at the Detroit Institute of Arts which displays the frescoes of renewed artist Diego Rivera. Specific renovations included replacement of the full skylight, cleaning of all marble work and trim, restoration of a cypress wood trellis and development of plans for a Son et Lumiere (sound and light) show highlighting the mural. The skylight was designed to eliminate problems caused by extreme temperature fluctuations. The replacement glass is laminated with polyvinyl butyral, a coating which limits light transmittance and provides high impact protection for the artwork. The challenge was to recognize the value of protecting the art work from any weather or physical damage. The solution was to design all phases of the construction procedures to protect this art work.