The new museum complex comprising the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts has been designed by Studio Gang with a view to significantly reducing energy usage, with the end result being a museum that uses tasteful design, intelligent layouts and creative utilization of material in order to boost energy efficiency.
The upgraded museum complex makes use of the entirety of eight buildings that have formed a part of the venerable museum. One of the innovative features of the new complex is the fact that it utilizes many of the materials of the erstwhile development, with elements ranging from steel and masonry to components of the previous facade being re-used. Elsewhere, the complex features an overhanging roof that helps to reduce energy consumption related to cooling, while generous landscaping and plantings of native species further elevate the green credentials of the space.
These results have led to this museum complex being awarded LEED Silver credentials for sustainable building.
Image Credit: Iwan Baan
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Energy-efficient Museum Complexes
- The trend toward sustainable designs for museum complexes is disrupting traditional architecture and building practices.
- Material Re-use
- The trend of repurposing old building materials in new developments is disrupting the construction industry and reducing waste.
- Green Landscaping
- The trend of incorporating native species and greenery in building design to reduce energy consumption is disrupting traditional landscaping practices.
Sectors Adopting This
- Architecture
- The trend towards sustainable and energy-efficient building design is disrupting traditional architecture practices and providing new opportunities for innovation.
- Construction
- The trend of reusing building materials in new developments is disrupting traditional construction practices and providing opportunities for more sustainable and cost-effective building practices.
- Landscaping
- The trend towards incorporating native species and greenery in building design is disrupting traditional landscaping practices and presenting new opportunities for energy-efficient and sustainable green spaces.
