Buchanan Architects

Art Museum, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA

A curved tree lined walk that is highly valued by the university community ends in a green commons on which the building steps back into broad terraces that can serve as a stage for public events and for sculpture. A series of courts get more intimate as they approach the museum. The museum is made with big, simple spans joined together to accommodate the curve. The Exhibition Galleries are divided into two large volumes that have flexible artificial lighting and are linked to each other through a single grand opening, which are joined to the lobby and rotunda. Several smaller connection spaces with exterior exposure and natural light are used either as resting places or for exhibition. In response to the climate and local preferences the roof is covered in red tiles; the walls are white stucco; and the openings are big and shaded. (Competition: Honorable Mention)

Back to:

Portfolio | Academic

Photo 1 | 2 | 3 | 4