San Francisco, CA

Concrete Quilts

  • Art
  • Public Works
  • Outdoor
  • Workplace

In collaboration with artist Lena Wolff, we fabricated a large-scale concrete artwork for Genentech’s Building 38 campus in South San Francisco. Commissioned as part of the city’s 1% for the Arts Initiative, the installation translates Wolff’s distinctive visual language into a permanent architectural expression.

Drawing from a vocabulary of quilt patterns, symbolic imagery, and references to the local landscape, the artwork reflects the ecology, history, and scientific innovation that define the Genentech campus. Composed of more than 480 square feet of individually cast concrete tiles, the piece creates a rich visual tapestry that connects the built environment to both the natural ecosystem and the research taking place within it.

Quilt Motif

Inspired by the tradition of quilt-making, the installation transforms intricate patterns and layered narratives into a durable concrete medium. Each 18 × 18-inch tile contributes to a larger composition that balances artistic expression with material permanence.

Through close collaboration between artist and project stakeholders, the artwork demonstrates the versatility of concrete as a medium for storytelling—creating a lasting public amenity that enriches the workplace environment and reinforces a sense of place.