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#PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS

Pizzagalli Center for Art & Education, Shelburne Museum

The Shelburne Museum is one of the most idiosyncratic institutions in the United States, made up of 25 historic New England buildings assembled by founder Electra Havemeyer Webb.The architects answered some questions about the recently completed project

What were the circumstances of receiving the commission for this project?

Ann Beha Architects (ABA) received this commission through an invited competitive selection process. In 2008, ABA submitted qualifications and in 2009 was invited, with 16 other firms, to respond to an RFP (Request For Proposals). Four firms were interviewed: Ann Beha Architects, Frederick Fisher and Partners, Office dA (now NADAAA), and Truexcullins.

Can you describe your design process for the building?

The design process was collaboration between the design team, the museum’s staff, and trustees. The design approach incorporated an extensive research and inquiry phase, understanding the museum’s mission, the campus, community and traditions, and program goals. The final design strategy emerged from alternate options and iterations exploring siting, orientation, and architectural expression. Three-dimensional models, both physical and virtual, presented the fundamental studies and character of the building, its internal configuration, and materiality.

How does the building compare to other projects in your office, be it the same or other building types?

ABA’s designs are generated from a creative process with clients, users and stakeholders; an exploration of the building’s program and mission; and an investigation of the history and character of the setting. Each of our projects is a response to environment and culture, and creates a unique dialogue between heritage, the present conditions, and contemporary design.

This new building is the only contemporary design on a campus of 25 historic structures, and engages two critical settings: Vermont’s busy Route 7, and the enclave of domestic buildings and artifacts on Shelburne Museum’s unique campus. Internally, its program and facilities directly connect “viewing“ with “learning“ and “doing,“ offering visitors a dynamic and innovative museum experience.

How does the building relate to contemporary architectural trends, be it sustainability, technology, etc.?

The building is designed to exceed LEED standards. Pressure on spatial versatility and simplicity, tight net to gross square foot, limited lot coverage, integration of operations, pathways and vistas — all shaped the approach and required modeling of every implication. The Center‘s 82% net to gross is remarkably efficient, setting a standard for disciplined design.

Sustainable design features include:

High efficiency heating, ventilation, and climate control

Underground construction, using thermal mass as insulation

High-efficiency LED lighting and dimming

Envelope designed to minimize energy use via enhanced insulation, air barriers and high efficiency curtain walls

Storm water systems controlling flow quantity and quality

Light colored materials that reflect heat to prevent summer overheating

Local and recycled materials, such as stone, siding, flooring

Are there any new/upcoming projects in your office that this building’s design and construction has influenced?

ABA is exploring the integration of contrast and interplay of new materials in our new performance and student residence project at the New England Conservatory of Music, where wood, crafted large scale exterior tile, glass and metals are in dialogue with adjacent historic structures. Like Shelburne, our expansion of the Cornell University Law School takes advantage of thermal mass through partial below grade siting, still naturally lit.

How would you describe the architecture of Vermont and how does the building relate to it?

The museum’s campus is made up of 38 exhibition buildings, 25 of which are historic, creating a remarkable collection of 18th- and 19th-century New England architecture. Buildings include houses, barns, a covered bridge, a lighthouse and a 220-foot steamboat. Based on this context, a more traditional design might have been expected. Through a series of design studies, the selected, more contemporary design — interlocking forms, deep eaves, flat roof, and a glass curtain wall — grew from exchange with clients and donors, shifting expectations from traditional design to a contemporary vocabulary.

The new building offers clarity and a contemporary design with a mix of wood, glass, copper and stone, establishing a dialogue with the building’s historic companions.

Lighting in the upper-level galleries is provided by a combination of LED tracks and daylight diffused through a translucent skylight.

Details

  • Shelburne, VT, USA
  • Ann Beha Architects