the arkansas art center has recently approved a redesign by international firm studio gang and landscape architecture practice SCAPE. the museum is renowned for combining offerings of fine and performing arts, and sees a foot-traffic of 200,000 people each year. interestingly, the museum is incorporated into a park. ‘the arkansas arts center is made up of eight additions to the 1937 museum of fine arts, it’s a very complicated puzzle,’ says todd herman, executive director of the museum, therefore posing an interesting design obstacle for jeanne gang’s team.

studio gang arkansas art center
all images courtesy of studio gang

 

 

as a response to this problem, studio gang presented this design, which embraces various existing spaces in a newfound celebration of the museum and its art — allowing the growing institution more space and opportunities to educate and share with its diverse community. the design boasts a sustainable commitment to the environment. studio gang is a chicago-based firm that places an emphasis on merging different social worlds and communities, an effort paramount in this project.

studio gang arkansas art center
the museum is part of a larger park system

 

 

but how does this project accomplish all this? as the architect jeanne gang puts it: ‘from the inside out, the design clarifies the organization of the building and extends its presence into macarthur park and out to crescent lawn. by doing so, the center becomes a vibrant place for social interaction, education, and appreciation for the arts.’ the construction budget is $70 million coming from a combination of public and private funds, with groundbreaking scheduled for fall 2019. the project is anticipated to be completed in early 2022.

studio gang arkansas art center
the interior features a clear layout and configuration
studio gang arkansas art center
cantilevered roofs hover over a glass wall
studio gang arkansas art center
the redesign includes cafe and restaurant areas
studio gang arkansas art center
the plan is more clear from above