All posts by Xibitz

George Mason University

by Xibitz Higher Education

Horizon Hall

Fairfax, VA

As part of a collaborative effort, Perkins&Will and Xibitz created an exclusive space for George Mason University (GMU). This project incorporated three key elements that resulted in a successful fusion of tradition and innovation. Using a printed pattern design, the first component consists of multiple stories of wallpaper that change color on every floor. The second component further captures the expression and culture of GMU. In what is known as the World Wall, a map of the world is framed with acrylic fins which are covered with cut vinyl. GMU’s mission statement is incorporated in each of the languages spoken at the University, thereby illustrating GMU’s core institutional characteristic of being culturally diverse. In addition, light passes through the vinyl and light casts the words in between the fins. The map is inverted to force the question of “whose perspective is right?” The third component is a two-story, wood veneer wall behind which Xibitz placed a 13-foot by 17-foot digital screen. In front of the screen, veneer panels were created so that they are concealed behind the wood. When the lights are off, it looks like a wall. With light, two excerpts from literature are displayed. It is intended that both excerpts be read simultaneously in order to stimulate the question – Does the second text alter or enhance the meaning of the first? 

University of Illinois

by Xibitz Higher Education

Welcome Center

Urbana, IL

In 2017 the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign celebrated its sesquicentennial while simultaneously opening a new Welcome Center. The Welcome Center, located in the Alice Campbell Alumni Center, is open to the public and serves to celebrate the University’s heritage and contributions to society. 

Visitors are greeted by cherrywood-clad discovery boxes. The boxes are over 10 feet tall and contain school artifacts, backlit graphics, and interactive video media ribbon. Tabletop displays in coffee tables encase touchscreens to provide interactive information. The lobby displays a showstopping theme sculpture, spanning the entire height of the atrium. Dozens of diplomas cascade from the ceiling, suspended by almost indistinguishable wire.

University of Kentucky

by Xibitz Higher Education

Gatton Student Union Center

Lexington, KY

Xibitz collaborated with Perkins&Will to create a branded environment for the Gatton Student Union Center, a gathering place for students and faculty with a wide range of options for dining, entertainment, and education opportunities. This facility is already home to the King Culture Center, Dinkle-Mas Suite for LGBTQ Resources, WRFL Radio, and the Center for Student Involvement. 

Xibitz produced and installed a large-scale, realistic, bronze wildcat sculpture, along with digitally printed, custom graphics that can be enjoyed throughout the facility. The custom cat paws that traverse the floor play the University’s fight song when a student or visitor walks through the lobby.

Finally, Xibitz created custom printed gradient Lintec window film throughout the facility along with various locations of stainless steel and custom painted, dimensional lettering. We crafted a light sculpture that forms the state of Kentucky to always show pride in the Wildcat’s home state.

Northwestern University

by Xibitz Athletics

Ryan-Walter Athletics Center

Evanston, Illinois

A state-of-the-art training, competition and recreation facility calls for experiential elements of the highest quality and exacting fit. That’s what Xibitz, partnered with Perkins&Will and HOK provided for Northwestern University – in the form of custom-perforated backlit metal ceiling panels evoking the branded letter “N”; an 86-foot-long solid surface enclosure with 7-foot-high custom dimensional letters; large-scale graphics, custom-printed and mounted to canted panels with the school color in a LED lighting wash; and canted glass enclosures highlighting action figure mannequins for seven Olympic sports.

Additionally, Xibitz created a 30-foot-long wall with two towers of touch interactive displays that provide statistics, video, images and descriptions of historic moments, and more; and a 70-foot-long Hall of Honor featuring students who have become professional athletes.

Indiana University

by Xibitz Athletics

Cook Hall and Pfau Shine Legacy Court

Bloomington, IN

It’s one of the most legendary programs in college hoops. While its elite reputation has made it a top choice for recruits over the years, Indiana University leaders recognized its facilities were wearing out and could adversely impact their ability to sign the most promising student-athletes. The response: a 67,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art venue in which to practice, train and condition, planned and designed by Populous – formerly HOK Sports of Kansas City.

Prominently featured in the facility is a shining example of Xibitz’ capabilities: Cook Hall and the Pfau Shine Legacy Court is a unique museum and exhibit space that celebrates and chronicles the history of Indiana basketball with photographs, artifacts, trophies and interactive touch-screen kiosks that celebrate the University’s championship teams and traditions. Boldly designed with iconic displays, imagery and typography, the space evokes a sense of tradition and timelessness.

NCAA

by Xibitz Athletics

Headquarters Lobby

Indianapolis, IN

In the past, student-athletes and other visitors to the NCAA headquarters entered a lobby that did little to differentiate the office from any other. To remedy the situation, organizational leadership enlisted Perkins&Will and Xibitz to design, fabricate, and install displays that clearly reflect the NCAA values and mission. Key objectives of the branding project included the embodiment of the organization’s mission and culture, a celebration of the” One Team, One Future” initiative, and the promotion of the role of student-athletes in academics, athletics, and life.

The incorporation of the designs into the reception included a 40’ wall of 400 collegiate student-athletes, with 8 special recognition opportunities, and a 70’ wall of all 1300 collegiate membership logos. The displays were produced to allow for easy updating as the stories and membership evolve.

University of Florida Football

by Xibitz Athletics

Heavener Football Recruiting Complex 

Gainesville, FL

Looking to “wow” visitors, spectators and recruits when they came through the football facility, athletic leaders called on Gator Boosters, whose overwhelming response led to the ability to create the Heavener Football Complex. Together with design partner Downstream, Xibitz helped turn the facility into a cutting-edge showcase and work area.

Called “Gateway of Champions,” the facility is a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly spectacular environment that will help the Gators on and off the field. Interactive displays allow visitors to discover, and dive into Florida’s storied past. The “Players in the NFL” interactive display celebrates post-Gator NFL success with touch-screen statistics and highlight videos. Coaches’ suites and experiential theater tell the social, academic and athletic stories of Gator Football. Trophy cases and high-definition televisions displaying highlights from the Gators’ national championships and heritage are woven throughout offices, locker rooms, the weight room and a 4,000-square-foot “Gator Room.”

University of Louisville

by Xibitz Athletics

Schnellenberger Football Complex | Cardinal Sculpture 

Louisville, KY

When Jack Porter revitalized the entrance of the University of Louisville’s Schnellenberger Football Complex, they enlisted Xibitz to craft a dynamic experience inspired by the iconic school mascot, Louie the Cardinal. The result is a colossal wing sculpture spanning 54 feet across two walls, composed of 64 feathers and weighing nearly 4,600 pounds. Constructed from ACM, a composite material with brushed aluminum cladding, the sculpture seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure like fire suppression controls and an ID scanner, creating a cutting-edge and powerful entrance to the university’s football building.

University of Florida Basketball

by Xibitz Athletics

Basketball Practice & Recruiting Complex 

Gainesville, FL

It’s critical for a college athletics program to build and capitalize on a brand that attracts future recruits. And a key to a storied program’s brand is its past accomplishments. Working with design partner Downstream, Xibitz leveraged the Florida Athletics’ brand, by showcasing the Florida basketball story while seamlessly creating brand continuity across the athletics department – through original graphics, digital media, technology and specialty fixtures distributed throughout the facility.

Xibitz’ execution of this dynamic and inspirational experience is seen throughout the complex’s atrium and lobby, men’s and women’s coaches’ offices, the men’s practice gym and locker room, the media center and the players’ lounge. Xibitz provided project and vendor management, design solutions, value engineering, production of all brand elements, fabrication, and installation strategy/execution.

Cleveland Cavaliers

by Xibitz Athletics

Rocket Mortgage Field House

Cleveland, OH

When the Cleveland Cavaliers announced that they were upgrading the Rocket Mortgage Field House Arena in downtown Cleveland, Xibitz was given the contract to work with the General Contractor, Whiting-Turner, and their design team, Infinite Scale, to help develop and produce exciting new elements in the arena concourse. The “Flex Walls” include beautiful graphics, big screens, interactive elements, cases with team artifacts and other engaging visuals and stories about the team and its history. The newly renovated arena will be a centerpiece for sports and entertainment in the ever-changing landscape of Cleveland.