Google commissions major outdoor sculpture

Sanford Biggers will create a 30-foot tall sculpture called Vector for Google's Chicago headquarters. The work replaces the Dubuffet piece that stood at the Thompson Center.

Inspired by 19th century quilts

Vector features angular, winding forms made from glazed terra cotta panels. The design draws from quilt patterns that may have been used as coded symbols on the Underground Railroad.

“The quilt is interesting to me because it is sort of the repository of American culture, in a lot of ways.”

Artist has deep Chicago roots

Biggers, 56, is a Los Angeles-based artist who earned his master's at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1990s. He walked past the Dubuffet sculpture many times as a student.

Handmade tiles reflect local history

Biggers worked with quilt collections at the Illinois State Museum and Chicago History Museum. The sculpture's glazed terra cotta panels are handmade tiles based on existing quilts.

“Vector is actually handmade tiles that I've made with existing quilts in mind.”

Part of celebrated Codex series

The sculpture continues Biggers' Codex series, which explores hidden meanings and sacred geometries in antique quilts. Google's Mike Miller says it reflects the state's history.

Replaces iconic Dubuffet sculpture

Vector will stand near where Jean Dubuffet's 29-foot Monument with Standing Beast was located. The Dubuffet piece adorned the plaza during the building's Thompson Center days.

“To try to fill-in the shoes of one of my favorite pieces is sort of daunting, but at the same time, a challenge that I am very lucky to embark on.”

Joins downtown's public art elite

Vector joins the Picasso at Daley Plaza, Calder's Flamingo in Federal Plaza, and Miró's The Sun, the Moon and One Star. It's the first sculpture in this group by a Black artist.

Biggers honored by the company

The artist says being asked to create a significant permanent piece in downtown Chicago is a huge honor. He's excited to join the corridor with artists he's looked up to and learned from.

Sculpture expected next year

Vector is expected to be completed in 2027. It will be placed on the plaza near Google's main entrance at the renovated headquarters.

Atrium renovation details revealed

Google released new renderings showing the renovated atrium. The ground floor will have circular terraced seating with retail space where the food court used to be.

Original rosette will be restored

Google reversed its plan to replace the floor's center rosette. A new terrazzo will be poured to highlight the craftsmanship of the original design.

“A new terrazzo will be poured and highlight the craftsmanship of the original design.”

Elevator system getting restored

The atrium's original elevator glass wall and cabs will be restored. Additional artwork is planned for the space.

Previous artist walked away

Judy Chicago and Donald Woodman left the project in January over creative differences with Google. They had been hired to create an artistic skin for the elevator system.

Design changes spark concern

Google replaced Helmut Jahn's original glazing and colorful Flash Gordon-like design with a more corporate look. The $280 million renovation is expected to finish in 2027.