Sparano + Mooney’s Beautiful Kimball Art Center Proposal Takes Inspiration From Aspens

Locally-based firm <a href="http://www.sparanomooney.com/" target="_blank">Sparano + Mooney</a> took inspiration from the Aspen tree when they came up with their beautiful and thoughtful proposal for the <a href="http://www.kimballartcenter.org/" target="_blank">Kimball Art Center</a> in Park City, UT. Where <a href="http://inhabitat.com/brooks-scarpa-conjure-up-an-airy-cloud-like-form-for-the-kimball-art-center-renovation/">Brooks + Scarpa</a> and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/big-proposes-twisting-timber-eco-tower-for-the-kimball-art-center-in-park-city/">BIG's</a> designs are more about show and creating a visual landmark, Sparano + Mooney chose a more understated route to create a timeless and elegant space. The Aspen (whose root system has created the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pando_(tree)" target="_blank">largest living organism in the world</a>) is the basis for the design, which evokes the history of the area and the potential reach of the art center in the community and beyond. Characterized by a wall of fritted glass featuring aspen trunks and covered in a photovoltaic skin, the new addition to the center would be filled with light and nature.

Sparano + Mooney, who have worked both locally and internationally, take inspiration from the Aspen tree, which is found throughout Utah and is a favorite for its beautiful fall colors.

The Aspen grows by extending its root system to shoot up new trees, which is like how the Kimball Art Center extends its influence and connects with the surrounding art community.

Wood sourced from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_pine_beetle#Tree_infestations" target="_blank">beetle-kill deforestation</a> in the local area will be used as both decoration as well as structural members to give a sense of being in the forest and surrounded by nature.

The design also calls to mind western vernacular log cabins and shows how materials can be transformed to create a wholly unique spatial experience.

The lower level of the center will be devoted to education through classrooms, art studios and workshop space available to members of the community, local and visiting artists.

The historic facility will be transformed into office and administration spaces for the staff of the Kimball along with a full catering kitchen. Meanwhile, the new facility will feature the gallery and exhibition spaces.

The new upper level is the main gallery space and enjoys access to the rooftop deck and the rooftop terrace along with views of town.

The ground floor serves as the living room of the area and welcomes visitors in to enjoy the art and the activities with a cafe and retail space.

Urban site plan.

Circulation and material plan.

Program plan.

Flexible space allows for multiple events at a time.

Cross section viewed from the South.

Cross section viewed from the East.

Location of outdoor spaces.

Sustainable design is also at the root of Sparano + Mooney's proposed facility and explores a number of ways to increase the efficiency of the existing facility as well as to ensure the addition is making a positive impact in town.

The historic building is in need of basic upgrades in order to meet with new codes, but it also needs significant envelope upgrades in the way of sealing, insulation and structural support.

Lower level floor plan.

Ground level floor plan.

Upper level floor plan.

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.

Building model at the Kimball Art Center.