To create a new home for a collection that had seen limited public display, we reimagined a 1960s bank building, actually a composite of seven structures, some dating from as far back as the Civil War-era. Several additions at the back of the building were removed to form an L-shaped footprint that could accommodate galleries, a museum shop, an art library and research center, art preparation and storage, and offices; within the arms of the L is a terrace overlooking Lake Michigan. To stretch a limited budget, we left most of the building's existing limestone cladding in place (a portion of it was reused as terrace material) and enveloped the museum in translucent acrylic panels. Iridescent during the day, at night they are lit from above and form a luminous icon on the city skyline.

Material Used:

1. U.S. Aluminum - Custom aluminum curtain wall

2. Old Castle - Laminated translucent glass

3. Evonik Cyro Canada Inc. - Acrylic cladding - Acrylite double-skin panel

4. Viracon - Custom Insulated Glass Units