SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah by Sottile & Sottile & Lord Aeck Sargent

Article source: Sottile & Sottile & Lord Aeck Sargent

The Evans Center for African American Studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design expands the University’s art museum by resurrecting the ruins of the only surviving antebellum railroad complex in the U.S. The project transformed a series of dilapidated freight warehouses originally built in 1853 by African slaves and incorporated them into a complex that includes galleries, art studios, classrooms, a 250-seat theatre, and public gardens. The 82,0000-square-foot expansion intentionally links the site’s historical and geographic context with its contemporary purpose; once part of the Underground Railroad, the Evans Center now celebrates African American art.

Image Courtesy © SCAD, Twilight view of Grand Courtyard

• Architects: Sottile & Sottile & Lord Aeck Sargent
• Project: SCAD Museum of Art
• Location: Savannah, U.S.A
• Photography: SCAD, Sottile & Sottile & Lord Aeck Sargent
• Software used: Sketchup and Revit.
• Owner: Savannah College of Art and Design
• Associate Architect: Dawson Architects

Image Courtesy © SCAD, Jewel boxes encase historic brick arches

The Evans Center spans an 800-foot block and is punctuated by a single vertical element, a semi-transparent lantern marking the building’s entrance. The lantern serves as an orienting landmark within the district, which is mostly defined by horizontal lines. On the north-facing sidewalk, frameless glass enclosures at each historic arch open up the gallery to pedestrians. On the south face of the museum, a courtyard provides a key connection to the landmark district. The courtyard mirrors Savannah’s public squares and provides the University with a signature campus green.

Image Courtesy © SCAD, Museum entrance and lantern

In addition to thoughtfully integrating salvaged ruins as exterior walls on the north and south elevations, throughout the building salvaged materials are juxtaposed with timeless, durable surfaces and textures, such as brick, concrete and cast glass. Original masonry was recycled for sidewalk pavement and courtyard surfaces, for example, and timber from fallen trusses was reclaimed as interior finishes.

Image Courtesy © SCAD, Historic brick ruin contrasts cast concrete structure

Overall the structure was designed to last centuries, rather than decades, and it was built reusing as much of the original materials as possible. Other sustainable features include the high-thermal performance building envelope, wall systems that reduce loads for cooling and heating, and storm-water management systems that also aid in the efficient maintenance of plants and trees.

Image Courtesy © SCAD, Pamela Poetter Gallery

Image Courtesy © Sottile & Sottile & Lord Aeck Sargent, Conceptual design renderings of facade details

Image Courtesy © Sottile & Sottile & Lord Aeck Sargent, Formal studies of street level experience

Tags: Savannah, U.S.A.

Categories: Museum, Revit, SketchUp

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