Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education by Ann

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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination.

Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education by Ann Beha Architects

December 21st, 2013 by Sumit Singhal

Article source: Ann Beha Architects

Shelburne Museum, renowned for its collection and its 45-acre campus of historic architecture, opened the new Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education in August 2013. Designed by Ann Beha Architects of Boston, the Center sets a clear 21st century direction within its historic setting.

Image Courtesy © Ann Beha Architects

Architects: Ann Beha Architects
Project: Shelburne Museum, Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education
Architect: Katelyn Cotter

Image Courtesy © Ann Beha Architects

The building’s massing interlocks two elements: the exhibition galleries and the education studio and auditorium, joined by a central lobby. The design responds to two settings — one facing Vermont’s busy Route 7 and the other facing the enclave of historic buildings. The view from Route 7 announces the Museum with clarity while the campus side, with its long extended porch, is set low to respect scale and offer panoramic views.

Image Courtesy © Ann Beha Architects

A mix of wood, copper, and stone establishes a dialogue with the building’s historic companions. The façade is clad with wide board cedar, expanses of high performance glass, and local granite. Horizontal roof overhangs are copper with cedar soffits. Interior materials include Vermont slate, cedar, and local beech flooring.

A less “familiar” design — interlocking forms, deep eaves, flat roof, and a glass curtain wall — grew from exchange with clients and donors, shifting expectations from traditional design to a contemporary vocabulary. Innovative programming, and a balance of contemporary and traditional exhibitions reflect this discourse.

This project received a 2013 Excellence in Architecture Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects’ Vermont Chapter.

Contact Ann Beha Architects

Categories: Educational Center, Museum

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