ARCHITECTURAL
Southern Company Corp. Headquarters' Wall of Light

Located on the corner of Ivan Allen Boulevard and Spring Street in Atlanta GA the newly constructed Southern Company Headquarters Building brings a new kind of light to Atlanta. The light of Stained Glass panels.

One of the problems we had to solve, first and foremost, was a frame to support the weight of 30 leaded glass panels and still work with the heavy marble construction of the building. I contacted my friend, blacksmith Michael Dillon of Dillon Forge in Roswell, Georgia. We brainstormed a frame that would not only support the panels but would be an integral part of the building. Built out of iron, it weighs over a ton!

I felt the key to the total presentation was a light box.  It had to be built into the building and allow us access, not only to anchor and construct the frame, but to be able to install and service the leaded glass and the bank of fluorescent tubes to bring the glass to life.  The Wall is alight 24/7. Once we had a frame plan, I began to design the panels. Measuring 37"x 35" each leaded glass panel is an individual design that works with the ones above, below, and side to side.  Thirty custom designed panels that flow and ebb to bring the wall to life.

Once the last panel was installed we had to install 30 panels of white Plexiglas between the glass panels and florescent lights to diffuse the florescent light. As you can see, "monkey girl" had to perform feats of derring-do!  Rebecca had to balance on the steel frame and work her way between the glass and the installed Plexiglas to screw the Plexiglas to into the frame.
Thanks Rebecca!

The glass I chose is Kokomo Opalescent®. The Kokomo Glass Foundry still has Founding Family Members involved and has been in business in Kokomo Indiana for over 100 years.  They produce some of the most GORGEOUS glass I have ever used.  The quality of the glass in the light is fantastic. 

To complement the pink marble and pale blue glass of the building's construction, I chose a pallet of pinks, purples, and blues. There are several different textures and all work together with the design to create a vibrant presentation of light and movement. I had a fantastic time on this job and I enjoyed every challenging moment of it.