Services

Additional services: parametric analysis of energy, security system design, and LEED documentation

Features

Initially constructed in 1931, the museum's second addition and renovation now includes the new Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion. The 42,000-square-foot expansion features new gallery spaces, a beautiful atrium, and redesigned exterior public garden spaces for the community to enjoy. The Joslyn has aspirational goals, including world-class design, inclusiveness, and sustainability. A team led by Oslo/New York-based Snøhetta was assembled to achieve world-class design. The extraordinary design demanded high levels of collaboration and detailed coordination between all team members. The project is designed to achieve LEED Gold as a testament to its commitment to sustainability.  The expansion will use 32% less energy than a baseline energy code-compliant design.  The water savings inside the building over a baseline design will be 37%.  The result is a new entry progression to the museum that is easy to navigate and approachable to over 190,000 annual visitors.

The addition includes 16,700 square feet of new exhibition spaces, in which many portions of the MEP systems are custom and site-specific to minimize the visual impact of systems on the architecture.  HVAC diffusers were custom-built for ceilings that have compound slopes in multiple directions. Enclosures designed specifically for The Joslyn hide thermostats and humidity sensors from view in the galleries.  Mud-in exit signs, receptacles, and security cameras minimize the visual impact of electronic devices. This leads to less visual clutter, allowing patrons to appreciate the architecture and art without being distracted by building systems. These features provide the galleries with temperature and humidity control to preserve the displayed works. Additionally, each new gallery is complimented with LED lighting and diffused natural light filtered in from skylights, creating a warm and bright atmosphere.

The pavilion's first floor houses a new museum gift shop and a multi-purpose community room designed with a hidden display and warm diffused lighting. The floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the pavilion enhance the natural light in the atrium, opening the museum to passersby and visitors who can enjoy the nearly 3 acres of redesigned gardens and public gathering spaces on the grounds.

In addition to the expansion, the existing Memorial Building and Walter & Suzanne Scott Pavilion were renovated. This included updates to the centralized staff offices and workspaces, the connection between the new and existing buildings, and the relocation of the museum admissions entrance to the new atrium. Finally, the Durham cafe and patio were updated as well.

Pursuing LEED Gold Certification