The concept is rooted in the fusion of organic and structured shapes, reflecting the intersection of arts and technology. This balance is achieved through a combination of map-inspired patterns and abstract forms, representing the journey and exploration of design.  The abstraction is based on aerial photography of CMU in 1967, timestamping Joe Ballay’s years of school and then when he became Head of the newly formed School of Design. Recognizable parts of campus included in this design: Margaret Morrison, College of Fine Arts, The Fence, Baker Hall, and the edge of Schenley. Central to the tapestry are 31 tufted circles, each symbolizing one year of Joe Ballay's impactful teaching at Carnegie Mellon University(1970-2001).