Pulp Studio recently completed work on an Indiana welcome center inspired by the state’s legacy as the “Racing Capital of the World.”
Project details
The INDOT Clear Creek Welcome Center, off Interstate 70 near the Indiana-Illinois border, was designed to evoke the excitement and scale of the Indianapolis 500. The exterior of the Exhibit Hall features angled glass positioned at decreasing heights, meant to emulate the sensation of a racecar whizzing by. The Celebration Wall showcases vibrant colors that shift with light and movement while the north side of the building is embellished with an oversized checkered race flag. The surrounding parking lot is notably marked by an Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pylon and a 30-foot replica of the Borg-Warner Trophy.
“This project marks the intersection of function and emotion, a visual representation of tradition that will welcome visitors for years to come,” says Kirk Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Pulp Studio. “We really enjoyed contributing our glass fabricating expertise to this project and bringing such an exhilarating concept to life. With this experiential design, we honored Indiana, the iconic Indy 500 and the legacy of the region.”
In planning, architect studio Synthesis Incorporated envisioned the INDOT Clear Creek Welcome Center as an architectural expression of energy. The design focused on transforming the concepts of speed and spectacle into built form utilizing angled glass planes, layered elements and forced perspective. As visitors move around and through the building, these elements aim to create a dynamic experience that reinforces the sensation of movement.
“Glass was a primary material in achieving this vision due to its ability to convey lightness and reflectivity,” said Morgan Conner, marketing designer at Synthesis Incorporated. “Its transparency and shifting qualities allow the building to evolve throughout the day, supporting the overall concept of motion. The Celebration Wall utilizes dichroic glass to introduce a dynamic, color-shifting feature within the project. We reviewed several material options, and the dichroic glass incorporating 3M film, as provided by Pulp Studio, stood out for its rich hues and rapid chromatic shift. This quality was essential in evoking the energy and spectacle of the crowd, as the appearance of the wall changes based on light and viewer position.”
Continuing the theme inside, the Exhibit Hall features metal and glass brackets, designed to represent the Doppler effect as often demonstrated by speedy cars on the track. Interactive displays, including a full-sized race car on exhibit, contribute to the immersive experience.
“Pulp Studio and Linel were highly collaborative partners throughout the process,” says Conner. “They were engaged early, responsive to detailed design challenges and committed to maintaining a high level of quality. When initial concerns arose regarding fabrication constraints, including tempering glass with required perforations, their teams further investigated and developed a solution that allowed the design intent to be fully realized.”
Project team
Project Title: INDOT Clear Creek Welcome Center
Location: West Terre Haute, Indiana
Architect: Synthesis Incorporated
Glass Fabricator: Pulp Studio
Glass Manufacturer: Linel
Photographer: Matt Scott Media