DURHAM CONVENTION & ARTS COMPLEX (DPLEX)
The Durham Convention and Arts Complex (DPLEX) is a new initiative and economic development strategy spearheaded by Discover Durham and the four facility partners - the City of Durham’s Armory, Durham Convention Center, Carolina Theatre and Durham Arts Council- for the purpose of attracting larger conventions and special events that could be accommodated by the expanded combined square footage and artistic amenities that the four organizations provide. The public art enhancements planned for the outdoor plaza that connects the four venues provide an exciting creative atmosphere and visual brand that will enhance the experience of all visitors to the DPLEX.
SELECTION OF ARTIST TEAM
A call was issued in the fall of 2021 for regional artist teams. Three finalist teams were contracted to create a concept for the plaza and from those teams, the team of David Wilson, Gary Warner of WithersRavenel and Therese Huffman of Signature Design was selected. Their concept includes a signature sculpture echoing the DPLEX Brand, surface treatment with ambient glow sand, additional lighting at steps and pathways and wayfinding.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Team solicited responses to their concept through public surveys, a custom survey for the Durham Convention Center, and custom questions included in the Carolina Theatre’s audience survey. The team presented in-person at February Third Friday at the Durham Arts Council and the Carolina Theatre, and at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting in March. They presented by zoom to Discover Durham’s Festival Roundtable.
The Durham Convention Center/Carolina Theatre Plaza is a key public space identified in the SmART plan for revitalization. Its present state includes bland concrete surfaces; poor sight lines from building to building, overgrown trees, and confusing navigation. This plaza is the key exterior space connecting the Armory, Convention Center, Carolina Theatre and Durham Arts Council.
The new art elements will activate and enhance the plaza at the center of the group of buildings and create a wayfinding system of sculptures, mosaics and lighting that pulls the four separate entities into an easily recognizable destination for citizens and visitors alike. The art elements will create an artful four-way connection system from the Armory to the Convention Center, to Carolina Theatre, and to the Durham Arts Council Building via sculptures, surface art, and lighting on the plaza and approach areas.
