Spillman Farmer Architects Transform Bethlehem Steel Factory into a Vibrant Art Center

<a title="Spillman Farmer Architects Turn Bethlehem Steel Factory into an Art Center" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bethlehem_Steel" target="_blank">Bethlehem Steel</a> in Pennsylvania was once the second-largest steel producer in the world, making it a symbol of America's industrial might. But after a long decline, the company closed the doors to the Bethlehem, PA plant in 1995. The facility had been abandoned for more than a decade before <a title="Spillman Farmer Architects Turn Bethlehem Steel Factory into an Art Center" href="http://www.spillmanfarmer.com/#/home" target="_blank">Spillman Farmer Architects</a> converted it into a magnificent art campus. Dubbed <a title="Spillman Farmer Architects Turn Bethlehem Steel Factory into an Art Center" href="http://www.artsquest.org/" target="_blank">ArtsQuest Center</a>, the 68,000-square-foot building has been converted into a vibrant public space for people to experience arts and culture in a gritty, post-industrial setting.

Working under 'raw elegance', Spillman Farmer Architects transformed the abandoned steel factory into a major arts hub.

Made from locally manufactured pre-cast concrete panels, glass and -- off course -- steel, the contrast between the industrial ruins and the internal human scale is always present.

Providing some warmth, native Pennsylvania Ash wood was used for some of the interiors, including reception desks and walls.

The industrial, raw spirit can be found in every detail, from the massive steel beams, helicoidal stairs and the views to the now silent furnaces.

The steel was painted 'International Orange', which is the Golden Gate Bridge's color, constructed from steel made on the Bethlehem Steel site.

An hybrid building, ArtsQuest Center is a shelter for art performances, exhibitions, cinema and now, a cultural landmark.