ARCA Design, PLLC 

Location: Asheville, NC

The Asheville Art Museum is by equal measure new construction, renovation, and historic restoration. The parti is a monumental volume housing the permanent collection that appears to be suspended in a transparent enclosure. This massing echoes the museum’s mission: to both securely shelter and openly display art for all. The building is organized to improve way-finding and increase gallery space. The transparency of the facade is maximized by employing structural glazing, while perforated metal panels form a cradle that supports the zinc-clad permanent gallery. Light from the back-lit panel facade invite public participation even when the museum is closed.