An anchor for the arts at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, The Sheldon Museum of art presents a unique opportunity to connect with the University of Nebraska’s student population and art culture. While the museum physically sits on campus, the museum says it struggles with pulling in the retention of students. The desire to foster bring eyes and warmth to the travertine halls of The Sheldon. The extension will be a workspace home to education, art, and a Foster ship between an institutional museum and third-place for student-life.

blend of form + function

The form and function of the building responds directly to the natural flow of the site and its users. Passing diagonally through an under-utilized parking lot buried in the middle of campus, avoiding the disruption that would inevitably drive users away from the building, our design naturally pulls people in, creating a seamless passage with ETFE skylight offers a unique opportunity of experiencing the weather on campus. Similar strategies ie; rule of thirds, transparent middle section, as well as travertine cladding language, assist in the transformation of the museum. A thin recess between the old and new allows for an honorary distinguishment of the Original Sheldon and the student center addition.

personal Twist

The iconic shape cladding of the Sheldon Museum of Art was studied and maintained as a crucial guide for the building. Expressed in contemporary fassion the cladding now becomes the guide as well as opportunities for engagement.

Original concept sketch idea