Load bearing masonry buildings located within an urban Historic District become the canvas for a series of architectural interventions in the new home for The Union for Contemporary Art. New materials are layered upon old, and create a juxtaposition between light and dark, smooth and rough, refined and raw. The new program consists of gallery space, studio space for children, and live-work space for artists-in-residence split between three existing buildings totaling 23,000 square feet. These buildings are connected by an existing atrium space with translucent roof panels, and further connected by an exterior courtyard set between a neighboring building.
Jury Notes: With numerous diverse components and spaces, there is not a bad view of this project. The balance of existing brick, wood, white, metal and concrete is both elegant and warm. Great use of materials playing off the contrast of old and new, rough and smooth, refined and raw.