Project Description
Contemporary Craft
Crafting Community
A community anchor discovers the beauty of its new home.
For over 30 years, Contemporary Craft has provided free access to high quality arts and creative experiences for all from its space in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. So, when the organization sought to secure its future by purchasing a new home, it was essential that the new building maintain its identity as a friendly, dynamic space, where diverse people can gather.
The design, which transforms a modest, previously industrial concrete box into a showcase for Contemporary Craft’s exhibition, education, and retail programming, reflects the organization’s mission by highlighting the joy that craftspeople uncover in the materials of the building itself.
The addition of a textured brick pattern enriches the façade while layered aluminum tubes and sonar-inspired, patterned panels around the entrance create an animated effect that comes alive as you pass by. The addition of a rolling, glass garage door and two dramatic storefront openings, creates views into the building, allowing passersby to glimpse the activity within its studios, gallery, and retail space.
While the exterior is designed to invite the community in, a beautiful maple reception desk creates a center of gravity to welcome and orient visitors as they search out the studios, gallery, or retail shop.