When artists, designers, industry resources, and clients work together, common places are transformed into spectacular spaces. CODAworx has once again partnered with Interior Design magazine to announce the winners of the sixth annual international CODAawards: Collaboration of Design + Art. The CODAawards recognize collaborations that result in outstanding projects which successfully integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces.

The El Paso, Texas – Sun Pavilion received Merit honors in the category of Public Spaces. The project was a collaboration of RDG Dahlquist Art Studio + City of El Paso + A. Zahner Company + El Paso J.A.G. + Westside Welding. The “Sun Pavilion” is a public art installation that creates an iconic, destination shade structure for Blackie Chesher Park, a large urban park and sports complex in El Paso, Texas. Inspired by Hueco Tanks, an ancient Desert Archaic and Native American Cultural site, patterns of indigenous plant species are illuminated by the ever-changing and ever-present sunlight during the day, and interior LED illumination at night. Laser-jet cut panels in polychromed aluminum evoke the craft traditions of papel picado, or cut-paper patterns and pierced-metal lanterns of the area.

The “Sun Pavilion” has been recognized as an integrated Placemaking component within the major urban park. While it is directly influenced by specific cultural and ethnographic imagery, the contemporary form, capturing the movement of the sun, is both sculpture and functional shelter.

“The CODAawards recognize the importance of collaboration, and honor the design and art professionals whose collective imaginations create the public and private spaces that inspire us,” said Toni Sikes, CEO of CODAworx.