CSSI provides more high-end casework to Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History

CSSI continues to have a strong relationship with Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History. Our most recent project involved building large cases for the museum’s newly opened DNA Discovery Center, where visitors can discover what DNA is, how it works and what it can tell us about all life on Earth.

The structure was installed in a corner of the exhibit and consists of two large cases separated by a panel that supports a touch screen monitor. The cases are sealed against dust and are illuminated by LED lights.

Chicago Scenic’s past work with the Field Museum includes casework in another permanent exhibit entitled “The Ancient Americas.” For that exhibit, CSSI spent more than six months building a good portion of the 19,000-square-foot exhibit, including many Smithsonian-grade customized cases that now house priceless artifacts.

Steiner updates its Chicago Scenic-built trade show booth

For the third straight year, CSSI collaborated on architectural firm Steiner and Associates’ trade show booth with Michael Portnoy of Todd Street Productions. Patrick Fahey, the designer of numerous Radio City Christmas productions and the designer of the Steiner booth, originally introduced Chicago Scenic to this project and CSSI is pleased to continue this successful relationship.

The elaborate booth’s show stopping element is the Chicago Scenic-engineered water wall made of custom art glass at the entrance. The exhibit also uses faux brick work that looks and feels like brick without the weight. The oversized space contains reception and lounge areas and four meeting rooms. These spaces use an engineered wood floor system; the walls are covered with designer fabrics woven from natural fibers.

Chicago’s Hancock Center begins multi-phase makeover

Even world-famous skyscrapers need a makeover once in a while. Chicago’s Hancock Center is in the midst of a multi-phase project that will culminate with the complete redesign of its visitor center and observatory level.

Working in conjunction with the observatory’s general manager Daniel Thomas, who has headed up similar projects around the world, CSSI has completed a new and improved sky tour and welcome center where visitors can check out an earpiece for a free audio tour. CSSI will also design and build a concierge area for the building’s residents and guests, a new information and sales area, a Lavazza coffee shop and a ground level visitors’ area. See future issues of “Studio News” to follow this project’s progress.