This story originally ran on VeloCityOKC.com.
In an episode of How Did They Build That (Season 3, Episode 2), Oklahoma Contemporary is revealed as a feat of modern engineering and design, pushing the boundaries of what architecture can achieve. The episode delves into the remarkable construction process behind the 53,916-square-foot center, dubbed “Folding Light,” designed by renowned architect Rand Elliott. Unlike most structures, which rely on right angles for structural integrity, this building has none—making it not just visually striking, but a significant engineering challenge.
Elliott’s design takes its inspiration from the vast, ever-changing Oklahoma skies. The building’s unique aluminum skin is made up of 16,800 reflective fins that shimmer in response to the weather and sunlight, giving it a dynamic, color-shifting appearance throughout the day. “We were looking for a way to make this notion of capturing the light truly real, the way we did that was to make it a surface that would capture and hold the light,” said Elliott in an interview featured on the show. The building’s surface transforms as the light changes, from soft pinks at dawn to deep oranges and purples at dusk, creating an ethereal experience for visitors.
One of the most compelling elements of the episode is the insight into how the building was constructed in a tornado zone—a challenge that called for innovative solutions. While right angles typically provide structural strength, Elliott’s design avoided them entirely, resulting in a bold, sculptural form. Engineers on the show explained that the structure is fortified to withstand 105-mile-per-hour winds, with 47 deeply embedded piers anchoring it to the ground. These piers were meticulously placed to ensure the building’s stability, especially given the absence of typical 90-degree angles. “In a tornado zone, right angles are the way to go. Which makes most buildings boring,” noted one of the engineers.
The episode also highlights the complexity of crafting each part of the building. Because the structure lacks a traditional grid system, every column and beam had to be custom-made, with no two pieces alike. The aluminum fins, key to the building’s shimmering exterior, were dipped in acid to give them their signature sheen, allowing the structure to mirror the changing weather and light conditions in Oklahoma. The show captures these dramatic moments, especially the building’s response to the first rays of sunrise as it glows against stormy Oklahoma skies.
Beyond its eye-catching design, Oklahoma Contemporary is a cultural hub, offering accessible, inclusive arts programming for all. Its new downtown campus includes a renovated 1910 historic warehouse that houses studios for ceramics, fiber, metal and woodwork, as well as an expansive three-block arts park. The campus reactivates a once-unused plot of land and has quickly become a vital part of Oklahoma City’s growing arts scene. Located along Automobile Alley, a major downtown thoroughfare, the center is easily accessible by the streetcar, further connecting it to the heart of the city.
From its roots in the fairgrounds to this new, state-of-the-art facility, Oklahoma Contemporary’s journey is proof of the city’s commitment to forward-thinking design, art and culture. Folding Light stands as both a work of art and a “creative commons,” for the arts community, reinforcing Oklahoma Contemporary’s mission to make creativity accessible to all.
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