Backlit Translucent Panels Impart a Vibrant Glow

The Michigans of the world haven't cornered the market on blue, nor on the ability of the color — or any color — to invoke school pride, even at the junior-college level. Peoria, Ill.-based architect Dewberry gave Illinois Central College's new CougarPlex a major-conference sheen with its use of backlit, translucent blue resin panels that transmit a vibrant glow to the building's vestibule, the face of the check-in desk and the front of the trophy cases (in background of photo). Among the three applications, the check-in desk received special treatment: Letters spelling out the building's name were CNC-routed one-eighth inch into the half-inch-thick 3form® panel and then lightly sandblasted to maintain a uniform matte surface and give the desk's face an iridescent quality. Removable panels on the inside of the desk allow access to the fluorescent fixtures within. More opaque than glass, the 3form product costs about $25 per square foot, putting rich spot color within reach of any athletic and recreation department.