There is 9,000 SF of public art gallery space that can accommodate multiple exhibitions. Program elements include:

The museum also provides a showcase for the university’s fine arts collection, which contains more than 5,000 works, from antiquities to contemporary art.

The canopy is a defining element of the project and visitor’s experience. Its unique character required a massive collaborative effort between all of the numerous stakeholders, disciplines and trades. Refinement of the geometry and components was accomplished with multiple specialty consultants and engineers, along with Whiting-Turner and the steel fabricator to verify that it was constructible. The nearly 1,000 infill beams were custom aluminum alloy fabrications, each uniquely created to fit precisely in its location among the compounding curves of primary structural tube steel. An innovative yet simple connection detail was collaboratively created to make sure the infill members would be easily installed, and fit with aesthetic precision, within allowable installation and adjustment tolerances necessary.

The museum achieved LEED Platinum certification. The facility utilizes a spare and largely locally sourced material palette in order to place greater emphasis on the art and activities. Throughout the design process, VDC modeling aided to maximize material efficiency. Building features and efficient lighting, heating and water-saving systems also increased sustainability. Two mechanical units were used to separately and more efficiently condition the galleries 24/7, while the remaining spaces are conditioned as needed. Extensive shading and careful calibration of openings in relation to solar orientation allowed the use of very transparent, low-reflective glass. The single-story, open-plan structure facilitates ventilation, with LED lighting and room occupancy monitors reducing electrical and heating loads. Water-saving fixtures lessen consumption and stormwater run-off is treated on site.