On Again; Off Again: DH Hill Library's 'Color Wall' | Goodnight ...

by Raleigh Boy

How can one describe NC State’s “Color Wall”? To me, this unique kinetic sculpture is an exuberant symphony in light. Vertical patterns of color slowly and methodically undulate, everchanging, across a white background divided by slender black metal vanes. The 12′ x 36′ mural projects from behind a glass wall on the first floor of the DH Hill Library book tower, facing Hillsboro St. The color and light display, which is intended for viewing at night, is an incredible sight to behold. I was a student at NC State when the Color Wall was installed in 1972, and for me it was love at first sight. Many times a couple friends and I would sit in our parked car in the bank parking lot across the street, transfixed and mesmerized by the stunning display of color.

I came to Raleigh in 1979 so I, too, have seen the on-again-off-again status of the Color Wall. I’m with Van Alston — I’ll chip in some money towards repair. And like Mr. Leebowitz, certainly there is an electrical engineer, possibly on the NCSU campus, who could take on the repair of this system as a project.

Who do we contact?

Thanks for the post Raleigh Boy

Thanks to everyone who has commented on this post. I appreciate the compliments too! It is heartening to see so much interest in Joe’s innovative kinetic light sculpture and the prospect of its restoration.

There have been some astute observations made here by the commenters. A working Color Wall would definitely be a major contribution to a renovated Hillsboro St. It would enhance not only the street, but the rather ordinary looking library building itself. As to the broken down switching mechanism: a modern, digital, computerized system is indeed the answer. And, moreover, the Color Wall is the most visible element of the legacy Joe Cox has left to us, not only to NC State, but to all citizens of Raleigh.

Readers will be happy to know that we at Goodnight Raleigh! are currently engaged in the early stages of an effort to restore Joe Cox’s Color Wall. The comments here have touched on many points of that effort. Watch for an announcement on the site soon. With the support of our readers, the Color Wall will once again be “on again!”

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