Add To Collection
Add to Collection
The National Civil Rights Museum Administrative Offices
The National Civil Rights Museum Administrative Offices
Memphis, TN, United States
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Other Projects by Looney Ricks Kiss
The National Civil Rights Museum Administrative Offices
Memphis, TN, United States
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2012
SIZE
10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft
Photos
This project included the site selection, design and relocation of the administrative offices of The National Civil Rights Museum.
Renovations to this nationally recognized museum required their administrative offices to be relocated to another facility. A donor provided $2,000,000 which became the not-to-exceed project budget for property acquisition, infrastructure, construction, signage, furnishings, equipment, and soft costs. With these parameters, the design team assisted the museum in identifying potential properties. The location, 409 S. Second Street, was selected for its proximity to the museum, existing apartment rental income, and its design potential.
With the decision to retain the two existing apartments, came the challenge of creating a proper entrance for the museum offices through the service end of a nondescript warehouse. The single opening in an otherwise impenetrable façade – a coiling garage door – inspired a metaphorical allusion to the civil rights era. The facade was squared off, infilled, and finished as a formidable barrier representing the era’s oppression. In contrast, the entry, represented by a single point of light, symbolizes equality as the only resolution. The museum staff and visitors are reminded of this each day as they breach the barrier.
The interior reinforces the allusion through a study in egalitarian diversity. Open office areas are positioned to maximize daylight and enclosed offices are located in interior spaces where their transparent glass walls provide connectivity and daylight access. Historic building materials thoughtfully blend with modern, while the color palette alludes to the Lorraine Motel signage.
Renovations to this nationally recognized museum required their administrative offices to be relocated to another facility. A donor provided $2,000,000 which became the not-to-exceed project budget for property acquisition, infrastructure, construction, signage, furnishings, equipment, and soft costs. With these parameters, the design team assisted the museum in identifying potential properties. The location, 409 S. Second Street, was selected for its proximity to the museum, existing apartment rental income, and its design potential.
With the decision to retain the two existing apartments, came the challenge of creating a proper entrance for the museum offices through the service end of a nondescript warehouse. The single opening in an otherwise impenetrable façade – a coiling garage door – inspired a metaphorical allusion to the civil rights era. The facade was squared off, infilled, and finished as a formidable barrier representing the era’s oppression. In contrast, the entry, represented by a single point of light, symbolizes equality as the only resolution. The museum staff and visitors are reminded of this each day as they breach the barrier.
The interior reinforces the allusion through a study in egalitarian diversity. Open office areas are positioned to maximize daylight and enclosed offices are located in interior spaces where their transparent glass walls provide connectivity and daylight access. Historic building materials thoughtfully blend with modern, while the color palette alludes to the Lorraine Motel signage.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.