Shaw Center for the Arts

Schwartz/Silver Architects literally turned Bendheim’s channel glass around to deliver a striking new look with this unique material. The innovative channel glass rainscreen creates a highly recognizable facade, while protecting the building and the works of art it houses from the elements. The facade features approximately 40,000 sq. ft. of our channel glass. Most of the flanges face outward, adding texture to the building. There are 2-inch gaps between the channels, and the glass rainscreen sits approximately 6 inches off a layer of waterproof aluminum. The resulting varied texture emulates the shimmering surface of the nearby Mississippi River. The unique flange-outward design adds visual complexity, while creating a vortex that prevents wind and rain from accessing the metal panels behind the channel glass. Thus, the glass cladding forms a durable and dependable protection against wind-driven moisture. It has survived multiple hurricanes, including Katrina, Rita, and Ike, without damage.

Shaw Center for the Arts is the first project to feature our textured 504 Rough Cast channel glass in Louisiana. The Center contains an art museum, two theaters, an art studio, and a gallery space. It owes its existence to the efforts and generosity of The Arts Block LLC, a joint venture of state and local government, local arts organizations, Louisiana State University, and the private sector. Located a block from the Mississippi River, the complex serves as a dramatic addition to the revitalization of downtown Baton Rouge.