The solid brick envelope of the Cultural Center expresses the strength and resiliency of the African American community, while the large glass expanses on the first level demonstrate the AACC’s mission for openness and inclusiveness. It was important that the facility reflect African American heritage, while remaining consistent with the overall aesthetic of the neighboring quad and the campus as a whole. The main entrance is made up of two sections of brick – one dark gray to represent the “strength and guidance” that the University of Illinois provides for its students and one in varied colors of tan, brown and gray, representing the “multi-toned hues” of students, according to project architect Dina Griffin, a 1986 University of Illinois graduate.
