BIG Proposes Twisting Timber Eco Tower for the Kimball Art Center in Park City

<a href="http://big.dk" target="_blank">BIG</a> led by Bjark Ingels has proposed a twisting timber tower as part of a design competition to renovate and expand the <a href="http://www.kimballartcenter.org/" target="_blank">Kimball Art Center</a> in Park City, UT. The green renovation of the existing historic structure will be combined with a new tower to expand the arts and culture center. Inspired by historic mining buildings from the ski town's past, BIG's concept makes use of reclaimed <a href="http://www.trestlewood.com/" target="_blank">trestlewood</a> from train tracks to build the new gallery and exhibition space. A number of other sustainable strategies, like solar power, rainwater collection, a high performing thermal envelope and daylighting will play into the design to give the town a new landmark tower and a name in the international arts world.

The Kimball Art Center is a central hub within the old town district of Park City, UT and is located in the historic gas station and garage of of Bill Kimball, who donated it to become an arts and cultural center.

Looking to expand, the Kimball Art Center invited 5 internationally-recognized architecture firms to draft up concepts and proposals for an exciting new landmark building.

<a href="http://big.dk" target="_blank">BIG</a> is currently competing against 4 other firms to win the award to design the Kimball Arts Center.

The competitors include <a href="http://www.pugh-scarpa.com/" target="_blank">Brooks + Scarpa</a>, <a href="http://www.sparanomooney.com/" target="_blank">Sparano + Mooney Architecture</a>, <a href="http://www.twbta.com/" target="_blank">Tod Williams and Billie Tsien Architects</a>, and <a href="http://www.willbruder.com/" target="_blank">Will Bruder + Partners</a>.

<a href="http://www.parkcity.org" target="_blank">Park City, UT</a> was born during the age of mining and remnants of its history surround and weave throughout the city.

BIG took inspiration from the <a href="http://www.parkcityhistory.org/" target="_blank">mining heritage</a> and especially the <a href="http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/pcmuseum&amp;CISOPTR=425" target="_blank">Silver King Coalition Mine Building</a> erected in 1901 and stood as the tallest building for 80 years until it burnt to the ground in 1982.

The <a href="http://www.kimballartcenter.org/transformation-project" target="_blank">Kimball Arts Center</a> hosts a variety of events from art openings, parties, weddings, book signing, art classes, talks, movies and serves as an important venue for the <a href="http://www.sundance.org/festival/" target="_blank">Sundance Film Festival</a>.

Beyond exhibiting art, the center must provide for a variety of programs and BIG has also incorporated all the necessary spaces into their design. Classrooms and storage are located in the basement, with a lobby and gift shop located on the ground floor.

BIG's proposal seeks to create a new iconic landmark visible from everywhere in town that takes inspiration from its mining heritage.

Built from heavy timbers, the Coalition Building could be seen from everywhere in town and BIG wanted to recreate that landmark tower through the Kimball Arts Center.

Built from heavy timbers, the Coalition Building could be seen from everywhere in town and BIG wanted to recreate that landmark tower through the Kimball Arts Center.

New kitchen and restaurant facilities will be added, along with a rooftop terrace, theatre space and a variety of expanded gallery and exhibition spaces.

Built from heavy timbers of <a href="http://www.trestlewood.com/products/timbers/" target="_blank">reclaimed trestlewood</a>, the twisting volume is heavily insulated and protected against the cold winters.

Basement level with classrooms and storage facilities.

Ground floor with offices, lobby, entrance and gift shop.

Second floor accesses the outdoor roof garden, the kitchen and restaurant.

Mezzanine floor provides space for exhibitions.

Third floor contains a large gallery.

The fourth floor is a large exhibition space.

Finally the rooftop terrace provides additional outdoor space.

Model of BIG's proposal at the Kimball Art Center

Model of BIG's proposal at the Kimball Art Center

Model of BIG's proposal at the Kimball Art Center

Model of BIG's proposal at the Kimball Art Center

Model of BIG's proposal at the Kimball Art Center

Model of BIG's proposal at the Kimball Art Center

Model of BIG's proposal at the Kimball Art Center