Madison, WI — September 2025
At this year’s CODAsummit, Quarra Stone President James Durham joined architect and designer Germane Barnes on stage for their keynote presentation, “Columnar Disorder.”
Reimagining the Classical Orders
Barnes — recipient of Harvard GSD’s prestigious Wheelwright Prize — is known for exploring the intersections of identity, history, and the built environment. Columnar Disorder challenges traditional Western architectural orders through the lens of the African diaspora, inviting audiences to question how culture, heritage, and form shape the spaces we inhabit.
The project first debuted at the Venice Biennale, where it received critical acclaim for its conceptual rigor and visual impact.
Collaboration Through Craft and Innovation
Following the Biennale, Barnes commissioned Quarra Stone to fabricate three new works expanding on Columnar Disorder. Each piece demanded precision in both design translation and material execution — aligning Quarra’s technical expertise with Barnes’ artistic vision.
The resulting sculptures extend the project’s narrative into physical form, expressing a dialogue between classical material traditions and contemporary cultural inquiry.
From Exhibition to Permanent Collection
All three works produced in this collaboration have since been acquired by the Art Institute of Chicago for its permanent collection — a testament to the enduring relevance of the concept and craftsmanship behind them.
Continuing the Dialogue Between Art and Architecture
This partnership reflects how Quarra Stone engages with architects, artists, and designers to transform complex, historically grounded ideas into tangible works of art. Through the integration of technology, material knowledge, and creative collaboration, Quarra continues to help shape the evolving conversation between architecture, identity, and craft.
