2020 International Chapter Architecture Awards: People's Choice
MuseumLab | Koning Eizenberg Architecture
Heritage Architecture
A Carnegie Library’s legacy of innovation is reincarnated as the MuseumLab – a testing ground for teen learning. The formerly abandoned historic library now houses space for youth (10+) to experiment with art and technology, a charter middle school, and incubator space for nonprofits in the education sector. The MuseumLab was developed by, and located adjacent to, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh who also developed the Children’s Park. The adaptive re-use strips back destructive interior alterations that compromised the original landmark. The result is a “beautiful ruin” that evokes local history, and highlights the act of discovery. MuseumLab makes the Children’s Campus of Pittsburgh the largest cultural campus in the US.
Client perspective:
How does the design benefit the way you live / work / play / operate / educate / other?
MuseumLab’s rich tapestry of history and feeling is an immersive experience of its 130 year old story. It leaves the inescapable feeling of a building in progress. It makes art from decay, sculpting history into a demonstration of innovation and ingenuity. Every corner and crevice was designed to spark creativity. lmmersive learning is also the project’s guiding ethos. Just as libraries created a new space for people to learn, MuseumLab reinvents how we understand education. It is an experiment in how we provoke, evoke, and ultimately inspire. Andrew Carnegie would be very pleased by our use of his space.
Architect
Practice TEAM
Koning Eizenberg Architecture – Design Architect
Perfido Weiskopf Wagstaff+ Goettel Architects – Architect of Record
CONSULTANT AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM
Mascaro Construction – Builder
Pentagram – Graphics
Studioi with Lam Partners – Lighting Consultant
Freeland Buck – Ceiling Artwork
IDeA Center at University of Buffalo – Universal Design
Branchpattern – Sustainability
Clio Consulting – Heritage Consultant
AES Atlantic Engineering Services – Structural Engineer
lams Consulting – Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Engineer, Fire Protection
Langan Engineering & Environmental Services – Civil Consultant
BABICHacoustics – Acoustic Consultant
Ryder Henry – Lobby Artwork
Mia Tarducci – Artwork – Some Big Words
Maureen Walsh – Artwork – Chromatic Passage
Ramon Riley – Artwork – AMUSE
Eric Staudenmaier – Photographer
Project Location
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Our partners
National Insurance Partner
