KANSAS CITY: DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Kansas City contained a combination of very modern buildings and architecture in a more traditional vernacular. An abundance of brick, which was used in a variety of interesting ways to create patterns and rhythm, alludes to the local culture and most common building material -- brick. Brick can be sourced directly in Kansas City, making it a somewhat sustainable material that does not require a large amount of embodied energy from transportation. Buildings both old and new utilized brick, and incorporated traditional elements like quoins and intricate cornices.
In contrast, some of the more modern sites included the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The materials used in the Kauffman Center were far more "modern", consisting of mostly glass and steel on the exterior. However, this glass was utilized in a way that kept sustainability in mind. One facade of the lobby space, made entirely of glass, allows natural daylight to wash over the space, while canvas hung from the ceiling and glass fins eliminate harsh glare and direct sunlight. This reduces the need for electric lighting and decreases energy costs. The openness of the glass facade also acts as a connection to the community, enabling occupants of the building to observe the vibrant city, and conversely the city inhabitants to peer into the energetic atmosphere of the performance halls.
The extension of the Nelson-Atkins Museum -- the Bloch Building -- incorporates itself elegantly into the landscape. Instead of distracting from it, it farther encourages the visitors to notice it. Outside of the museum, the grounds expand into a hilly terrain of grass, pieces of art, and gardens. One garden's winding path led visitors through an array of native plants which were attracting native species. The mindfulness of the design was clear by the building's clean, simple lines and attention to preserving the site's ecology.
In contrast, some of the more modern sites included the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The materials used in the Kauffman Center were far more "modern", consisting of mostly glass and steel on the exterior. However, this glass was utilized in a way that kept sustainability in mind. One facade of the lobby space, made entirely of glass, allows natural daylight to wash over the space, while canvas hung from the ceiling and glass fins eliminate harsh glare and direct sunlight. This reduces the need for electric lighting and decreases energy costs. The openness of the glass facade also acts as a connection to the community, enabling occupants of the building to observe the vibrant city, and conversely the city inhabitants to peer into the energetic atmosphere of the performance halls.
The extension of the Nelson-Atkins Museum -- the Bloch Building -- incorporates itself elegantly into the landscape. Instead of distracting from it, it farther encourages the visitors to notice it. Outside of the museum, the grounds expand into a hilly terrain of grass, pieces of art, and gardens. One garden's winding path led visitors through an array of native plants which were attracting native species. The mindfulness of the design was clear by the building's clean, simple lines and attention to preserving the site's ecology.