PWWG was invited to collaborate as Architect of Record with Koning Eizenberg Architects to reincarnate an abandoned historic Carnegie Library as MuseumLab, a testing ground for teen learning. The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh developed the project in a research/practice partnership with Manchester Academic Charter School (MACS) to exchange ideas between the informal world of museum learning and the formal world of classroom education. MuseumLab houses ground floor spaces for experiential learning with art and technology for 8-14 year olds; the charter middle school on the second and third floors; and incubator space for non-profits in the education sector in the basement. MACS’s 140+ middle school students share access to all MuseumLab resources including maker labs, and assembly and exhibition spaces. The project supports our clients’ vision for providing a safe, vibrant, and flexible environment for daily programs, classes, and camps.

The adaptive re-use strips back destructive interior alterations that compromised the original landmark building, and applies the hybrid design approach of a “beautiful ruin,” blending old and new to honor local history and the building’s importance to the community. Every step of the project revealed surprises—historic elements that could be mediated, transformed, highlighted, or covered, in context to how the client wished to use each space. MuseumLab reflects the success of the Integrated Design Process in crafting a striking architectural montage of crisp, fully modernized spaces, and spaces incorporating historic features. The building is now an immersive teaching tool about its history, materials, and construction.

PWWG coordinated a spectrum of design work as the scope changed, including complex structural modifications and systems upgrades, installation of large permanent art installations by designers of international renown, and work with a LEED consultant to achieve the client’s ambitious goals for sustainability. The project is LEED Gold certified, and earned Universal Design / Inclusive Design Certification–the first building in Pennsylvania to achieve this honor. It is tracking WELL Building Certification and has exceeded Pittsburgh 2030 District goals for energy use reduction.

Size

52,000 GSF, 2 stories + basement

Construction Cost

$ 11,300,000

Firm Responsibility

Existing Conditions Documentation
Architectural Design
Contract Documents
Contract Administration

Completion Date

April 2019

CERTIFICATIONS

LEED Gold