After the contest is over, I will probably be getting a custom model created for the center. I've already been approached by someone who was interested in doing it, and we discussed a few ideas. Good references though, I'll definitely use them.
As for the pipes, I compiled with using staticproppolys so they shouldn't be pitch black. It's probably more from the lack of lighting directly on it. I was thinking the point could have used some spotlights directly on it to make it pop out more, that might have helped.
Then again, it might look better with them off all together. Something to experiment with.