R3A proposed a design of permeable security enclosures, playful in nature, that allows for portions of the security screens to be operable providing access to the building and an open feeling during the day, while introducing illumination and color to the building that spark the imagination at night.
These open porches are enclosed by decorative metal panels that are both fixed and operable. The panels are illuminated at night with LED lighting creating an artistic scene that translates as a public art installation in this historic North Side neighborhood. Lighting is controlled from the MLK offices and provides the students with the unique opportunity to learn how to program exciting and dynamic lighting patterns.
This concept is being implemented for the first time at this large scale in the US and has won the local American Institute of Architects (AIA) award for creativity.