An abandoned historic library, carelessly renovated in the sixties, is deconstructed to backdrop a program for teens to explore art, technology, and making. A Carnegie library’s legacy of educational innovation and access is reinvented as a 520 sqm hands-on, teen learning resource housing experimental art and technology programs for youth and space for community events. Opening in 1890, the library was one of the first free US public libraries, and its exterior is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on Pittsburgh’s Northside, the austere masonry building was shuttered in 2006. It’s reincarnation is the most recent example of our client’s ongoing revival of abandoned real estate in a disinvested neighborhood to benefit local children and families. Time, and the 1960s remodel, had wreaked havoc. Exploratory demolition revealed column capitals were sliced, steel armatures exposed, and surface plaster that crumbled away. The emerging ruin and its archeology was beautiful, a natural fit with the Museum’s commitment to heritage and the educational agenda around discovery and making. Through a selective use of stabilization, restoration and improvements, the building was cost-effectively transformed into a coherent whole that reconnects spaces, reintroduces daylight and improves environmental performance. Windows were uncovered and replaced, insulation added to roofs and walls and a new energy efficient HVAC system installed. A new elevator was located to facilitate access for all. It extends into a new double height sky-lit gathering space formed by enclosing the 2nd floor lightwell. This new space provides entry to the Charter School and upper level program space. Its perimeter glass flooring also allows light to filter to the gallery below.
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Andrea Zickhardt
Managing Director
at Holzer Kobler Architekturen
7
8
7
6
7

Preeti Singh
Brand Director
at India Design ID
7
8
8
3
6.5

Judy Dowle
Associate Design Director
at Studio XAG
6.5
8.5
7
5
6.75

Julia Chiaramonti
Founder
at Julia Chiaramonti
5.57
5.98
5.64
5.73
5.73

Liz Gallagher
Studio Director
at March and White Design
7.5
8
6.5
7
7.25

Ronnie Belizaire
Studio Practice Leader and Principal
at HKS Inc.
5.75
7
5.5
5
5.81

Peter Pan
Founder and CEO
at Noa Galaxy
5
7
5
7.5
6.13

Leendert Tange
Creative Partner
at Storeage-Group
5
7
5
5
5.5

Anne-Laure Pingreoun
Founder
at Alter-Projects
5
7
6
5
5.75

Tanya Suvannapong
Design Director
at Gensler
5
7
6
6
6

Quan Huang
Chief Designer
at WJID
5.69
5.95
6.11
5.95
5.93

Claude Saos
Head of interior architecture and design
at LISAA Strasbourg
6
7
6
6
6.25

Ismael Abedin Ingelmo
Founder and Director
at DXMID
5.66
7
6.46
5
6.03

Servaas Vehmeijer
Partner and Managing Director
at The Invisible Party
5
6
5
5
5.25

Andrea Zickhardt
Managing Director
at Holzer Kobler Architekturen
7
8
7
6
7

Preeti Singh
Brand Director
at India Design ID
7
8
8
3
6.5

Judy Dowle
Associate Design Director
at Studio XAG
6.5
8.5
7
5
6.75

Julia Chiaramonti
Founder
at Julia Chiaramonti
5.57
5.98
5.64
5.73
5.73

Liz Gallagher
Studio Director
at March and White Design
7.5
8
6.5
7
7.25

Ronnie Belizaire
Studio Practice Leader and Principal
at HKS Inc.
5.75
7
5.5
5
5.81

Peter Pan
Founder and CEO
at Noa Galaxy
5
7
5
7.5
6.13

Leendert Tange
Creative Partner
at Storeage-Group
5
7
5
5
5.5

Anne-Laure Pingreoun
Founder
at Alter-Projects
5
7
6
5
5.75

Tanya Suvannapong
Design Director
at Gensler
5
7
6
6
6

Quan Huang
Chief Designer
at WJID
5.69
5.95
6.11
5.95
5.93

Claude Saos
Head of interior architecture and design
at LISAA Strasbourg
6
7
6
6
6.25

Ismael Abedin Ingelmo
Founder and Director
at DXMID
5.66
7
6.46
5
6.03

Servaas Vehmeijer
Partner and Managing Director
at The Invisible Party
5
6
5
5
5.25
Designer
Client
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Floor area
520 ㎡
Completion
2019
Architect of Record
Contractor
Graphics
Ceiling Artwork
Sustainability Consultant
Lighting
Acoustics
Structural Engineering
Civil Engineering
MEP
Heritage Consultant
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