Art in Local:
Introduction
Des Moines contemporary art museum. Located near papa john sculpture park, it
is a three-floors building. Designers use the language of rhythm and movement to
entire buildings and landscapes. Its smooth curves and dynamic forms characterize
this program. The design aims is to encourage neighbors residents to have a new
community to relax and learn together; the site tourist trade is thriving.
When designing the building, we prioritized the block-shaped functional arrangement
to guide the flow of people to the middle of the site, and generate more
interaction with our environmental design.
Our Projects
Optional Studio | Iowa State University | 2020 Fall
Location: Pappajohn Sculpture park, Des Moines, Iowa
Instructor: Thomas Leslie
Team:Fengxue Xia
Des Moines, Iowa is a city shaped by both historical continuity and modern development. Over time, older buildings have been transformed through technology, while 21st-century architecture has introduced the solidity of reinforced concrete into the city center. The block surrounding Pappajohn Sculpture Park functions as a central node, where buildings from different eras and with varied programs—s
The surrounding context reflects a clear functional zoning. To the south, a red-brick block accommodates leisure-oriented programs including hair salons, comedy theaters, jazz clubs, and dining venues, serving as a place of relaxation for nearby workers. The north side consists of a mixed-use area combining small companies and residential buildings, supported by medical facilities that attract fam
Although art exists within the community, it remains largely unseen. Small galleries and independent art studios are scattered and isolated, lacking a centralized platform for visibility and public engagement. In contrast to clearly identified public service facilities such as parks, hospitals, schools, and shelters, art-related spaces are notably absent. As communities evolve and histories shift,
The overall shape of the building emphasizes continuity and fluidity, and the architectural space changes according to the spatial shape required within it, stacked and then connected to form a curve.
Curved elements have been applied to different façades of the building. The high-rise middle storey increases the height of the building. Viewed from the street side, the architectural elements contrast sharply with the surrounding rigid architectural lines. The combination of storey height and curvature makes the building a new landmark. The flowing lines also symbolize the flow of history and th
We placed the café and shop facing Pappajohn Sculpture Park, while the main hall is located at the center of the site to allow clear display and easy identification of the entrance. The entire second floor is dedicated to art galleries, while the third floor primarily accommodates an auditorium and mechanical rooms. Visitors enter the site from the southeast intersection, access the building thro
Renders
The façade render shows the Locust Street view, where vertical patterns and window proportions create a continuous rhythm across the elevation, complemented at night by curved lighting that reinforces the architectural language and guides visitors toward the museum lobby. Inside the gallery, a curving ceiling emphasizes vertical spatial depth and centers the experience on the deck gallery, allowing visitors to quickly understand the layout and circulation options.