sparano + mooney architecture: kimball art center

‘kimball art center’ by sparano + mooney architecture, park city, utah all images courtesy sparano + mooney architecture

los angeles and salt lake city-based practice sparano + mooney architecture have created a proposal for the transformation of the ‘kimball art center’ within the heart of park city, utah. unique to the environmental landscape of the west, the aspen tree is the oldest -80,000 years- and largest -60,000 tons- living organism on the earth and is introduced to metaphorically represent the history and permanence of the center’s network for artists, art educators and visitors. rings of trees are introduced into the material palette, surfacing interior walls as well as partitions in the forms of linear logs to unify the galleries, naturally delineating internal circulation. evoking the memory of a cabin in the woods, the graphic texture of the salvaged trees killed and affected by bark beetles transforms the wood into a spatial experience while heightening awareness of sustainable design, energy production and consumption.

entry

serving as a cultural and community center, educational facility and exhibition areas, the building will offer a balance of programs which may begin a dialog with each other. separated by zones, the acoustics and lighting may be differentiated to hold four events simultaneously. a clear circulation wrapping the perimeter takes visitors through the different floors, creating a hybrid experience by layering the spaces with materials and light. rooftop classrooms and event areas offer views to the scenic wasatch mountain range.

gallery