BIG Updates Plans for the Kimball Art Center Renovation in Park City, Utah

Back in 2012, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/BIG" target="_blank">BIG</a> won a design competition to renovate the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/big-wins-kimball-art-center-competition-with-its-twisting-timber-eco-tower/" target="_blank">Kimball Art Center in Park City, UT</a>. After two years of contemplation and discussion over the forward-thinking design, along with input from the city and community, BIG has updated their plans to a lower-key design inspired by the mountains surrounding the city. The expansion is not as large as previously planned, but many of the original concepts will still come through, including extensive use of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/daylight" target="_blank">daylight</a>, natural materials and a respect for the historic nature of existing structures.

The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/kimball-art-center" target="_blank">Kimball Art Center</a> has been a fixture on Main Street in Park City since 1976 and has long provided space for art exhibitions, education and events, especially the <a href="http://www.sundance.org/festival/" target="_blank">Sundance Film Festival</a> held every January.

However, the historic building does not provide enough space to meet the non-profits goals of fostering art and culture for the town.

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/big" target="_blank">BIG's</a> new plan meets city code and appeals to a wider set in the community.

The new extruded mountainous form inspired by local topography is kept low enough to meet height restrictions.

The airy interior is lit from above with natural light.

A lower level provides a larger exhibition space.

A sloping site informs the building's structure and glass along the street allow both pedestrians to peak inside the space and visitors to get a view of the street.

The exterior will be made from board-formed concrete and natural light will infiltrate from skylights on the roof.

Many of the original sustainability strategies will be included in the new design.

The 15,000 sq. ft. expansion includes large social areas, flexible use areas, a Children’s Interactive Discovery Center, an educational studio, additional administrative spaces and more support areas.