kyu sung woo architects wins AIA central states honor award

an LED installation by light sculptor leo villareal welcomes visitors to the museum

kyu sung woo architects have received an honor award at the AIA central states design excellence awards for their design of the nerman museum of contemporary art in overland park, kansas. located on the campus of the johnson county community college, the 41,000 square foot museum which maintains an extensive and growing art collection. the museum is meant to serve as a starting point for a campus-wide art installation program.

clad in limestone, the exterior’s minimalist treatment reflects local materials and context. it has a glass enclosed structure which indicates the entrance to the new campus and connects the school to the rest of the community and the surrounding landscape. the main gallery consists of a 22-foot cantilever space which is located above the building’s entrance. here, an exterior installation by leo villareal (new york-based light sculptor) made from LEDs, creates a lantern-like effect. retaining walls which connect the landscape with the building, help define the exterior garden and form a path for visitors up to the museum. there are clerestory skylights bringing light through the museum continuing this connection with the outdoor. there is a double-height atrium which is wrapped in perforated filter which softens the natural light coming through the interior, while also joining the museum with the adjacent technology centre. the architect of record for the project is gould evans associates.

kyu sung woo architects creates memorable spaces which reflect the emotional and functional needs of the people who use them. their projects range from university housing to urban complexes, designing buildings and environments which restore the role architecture can play in one’s daily life.

the building’s exterior is clad in limestone interior shot of one of the gallery spaces