A New Ground Connecting the Joan Brix Carter Library and Creative Studios, Where the Dreams of Artists and Architects Grow
The Elkins School of Art opens a new horizon in art education. As countless future masters take their first steps onto this campus, we aim to establish Penrose Hall not merely as an educational facility, but as a wellspring of inspiration that greets them.
Our design strategy is crafted to layer the delicacy of modern landscape design and the functionality required for artistic endeavors upon the existing architectural gravity of Penrose Hall. It creates a space where “heritage of the past” and “vision for the future” coexist.
Design Philosophy: Architecture and Landscape in Dialogue
We believe that students of architecture should find inspiration in every moment of movement through space. While maintaining the structural stability provided by Penrose Hall’s heavy concrete and red brick, we have connected the artistic landscape of the front to the functional space of the rear with a unified design language.
Architectural Facade: A Studio of Light Opening to the Sky
The exterior view from Penrose Avenue most symbolically demonstrates the vision of art education pursued by Penrose Hall.
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Symbolic Slanted Glazing: The bold, slanted window system applied to the upper studios goes beyond physical space; it embodies the architectural aspiration for students’ imaginations to expand infinitely toward the sky.
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Aesthetic Functionality of West-Facing Orientation: These massive windows are designed with a precisely calculated angle facing west. During the day, they avoid harsh direct sunlight and instead admit soft, diffused light, providing an optimal environment for work. At dusk, they become a canvas framing the magnificent sunset.
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Expanded Transparency: The expansive fenestration, applied from the Joan Brix Carter Library on the first floor up to the studios on the upper levels, imparts a rhythmic lightness to the building and dissolves the boundary between the interior and exterior.
Nightscape: A Beacon of Creation Shining Under the Night Sky
As darkness falls and the campus begins to rest, Penrose Hall awakens in a different form.
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A Transparent Stage of Passion: The concrete exterior, which asserts a heavy presence during the day, recedes into the darkness at night, allowing the warm internal light to take center stage. Through the transparent glass, the silhouettes of students immersed in their work late into the night are revealed, creating a living scene that breathes artistic inspiration into the entire campus.
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A Light Box Communing with Starlight: Specifically, the slanted windows on the 3rd floor shine like giant lanterns projecting internal light outward. Glowing brightly under the starry night sky, this studio will serve as a “Beacon of Creation,” symbolizing the artistic spirit of the Elkins School of Art that never sleeps.
Front Landscape Design: Sculpting Inspiration and Planting Nature
The Landscape Zone at the front of the building is an artistic space designed to stimulate the students’ five senses.
1. Symbolic Sculpture ‘The Creative Ascent’ & Water Feature At the focal point of the entry path stands an abstract sculpture with elegant curves, symbolizing the soaring talent of students. Beneath it flows a gentle fountain. The sound of water becomes white noise, aiding deep immersion for students sitting by the library windows or on the benches.
2. Planting Palette Enveloping the Architecture To neutralize the rigid architectural materials, we have richly arranged purple-hued flora such as Lavender, Hydrangea, and Salvia, which create a complementary color contrast with the red bricks. Additionally, Ornamental Grasses that sway in the wind have been planted to add a dynamic rhythm to the static building.
3. Paving Creating a Rhythm of Thought The curvilinear paving patterns, created by mixing and matching light grey tones with dark stone, guide the pedestrian’s gaze. This design turns the simple act of walking to class into an experience of contemplation.
Rear Space Planning: Aesthetic Functionalism and Perfect Logistics Support
The Rear Facade is a space where the “function and efficiency” of an art school are interpreted aesthetically.
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Design Continuity: We have applied the same high-quality block paving found in the front to the rear parking area—a space often overlooked. By using textured flooring instead of bleak asphalt, students can feel the artistic atmosphere of the campus from the moment they step out of their cars.
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Wide Circulation for Large-Scale Art Transport: Considering the frequent movement of heavy materials such as huge canvases and sculpting stones, the parking zones are designed to be wide enough for large pick-up trucks and vans to enter and turn around freely. This area connects via the shortest route to the studio freight elevator, maximizing convenience for students.
Spatial Scenarios for Future Masters
The interior of Penrose Hall is organically connected with the light pouring in from all sides, the exterior landscape, and the convenient rear systems.
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Basement (Hub of Vitality): Here lies the energetic Cafeteria. Connected to a Sunken Garden, it is a place of exchange where students can freely discuss ideas with colleagues while feeling the light and breeze.
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1st Floor (Sanctuary of Intellect): This is the Joan Brix Carter Library. Through the wide windows filling the walls, students can enjoy a panoramic view of the garden featuring the sculpture and flowers, experiencing a time where knowledge and nature become one.
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2nd & 3rd Floors (Site of Fierce Creation): These are the Classrooms and Practical Studios. By day, students work under the soft natural light entering through the west-facing slanted windows; by night, they gain cosmic inspiration gazing at the stars beyond the glass. This space will be not only functionally perfect but also emotionally stimulating.
The Elkins School of Art makes a promise through this new design strategy for Penrose Hall. In 2025, this will become more than just a school; it will be the most perfect foundation where future artists and architects design their dreams into reality and unfold those vast ambitions without limits.
