WAM

In order to help the existing museum site reach its potential a few issues must be addressed. Foremost, the current orientation of the building does not cooperate with its context, both macro and micro. The riverfront provides great things: scenery, culture and exercise paths. Unfortunately there is a disconnection between the river and art museum. Lastly, the museum needs supplementary reasons on top of the art exhibitions to draw the visitors to the site. 

My solution is to strengthen the site’s connections within itself and the city. Most significant are the paths that cross above the street level on the east and integrate across the whole master plan. Currently the 5.25 acre site is not used efficiently due to the building’s orientation and parking lot, separating the nearby residences. By engaging the ground plane and burying the museum’s private functions [plus 450 parking stalls], the site is reclaimed and allows for maximum use. 

Rowhouses mimic the typology across the street to the north to create an “alley” of green space. This serves as a park and lively urban space, connecting to the river, for museum visitors and local residents. 

Punctuating the site is the retail and bandstand area at the far west. These elements can activate and push the Wichita Art Museum and its site to its maximum potential.

a Competition Entry for the Wichita Art Museum