Panels on new pavilion meant to represent ripples of sand

The two-story Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion includes plenty of open space for The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota to display its collection of American and European studio glass. It also provides an entrance, gathering area and dance rehearsal space for the Historic Asolo Theater next door.

The lead gifts for the project came from Nancy and Philip Kotler and Warren and Margot Coville. Philip Kotler is a marketing professor and author who has written over 50 books, including “Marketing Management,” a text used in business school classes nationwide.

A portion of the exterior of the building is covered in curved aluminum panels. David Otterness, Willis A. Smith Construction vice president and project manager, says the panels are meant to represent ripples of sand seen through the water at the beach. That visual ties in with the use of the building, he says, since sand is a major part of glass production.

“From an architectural standpoint,” Otterness says, “it really stands out and gives a nice contrast to the museum.”

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